Texas Cattle Threatened by Flesh-Eating Parasite, June 08

The New World screwworm fly has resurfaced in Texas after 60 years of absence. A 3-week-old calf in La Pryor tested positive for the parasite on June 8. Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster state. Canada immediately banned cattle imports from Texas. The parasite’s larvae eat living tissue in open wounds and could spread across the U.S. beef industry during summer.

How the Parasite Spreads and Damages Livestock

The New World screwworm fly is metallic green or blue with three dark stripes. Its larvae burrow into open wounds on mammals and consume living tissue. The parasite was eradicated from the U.S. in the 1960s but survived in Central America and South America. Experts believe it crossed from Mittelamerika through Mexico into Texas, overcoming biological barriers that contained it for decades. A second case appeared 8 kilometers from the first in Zavala County, southwest of San Antonio.

Containment Measures and Border Restrictions

Authorities established a 20-kilometer quarantine zone around the infected areas. Texas banned cattle and horse movement within 21 days before crossing into Canada. Canada responded with an import ban on all cattle from Texas. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the food supply remains safe. Trichinae do not infect meat, fruit, vegetables, or other food products. The Texas Animal Health Commission prepared for this outbreak over two years.

Sterile Fly Strategy to Stop Spread

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed the most effective tool: releasing millions of sterilized male flies. Male flies are bred, exposed to radiation to make them infertile, and released over affected areas. When wild females mate with sterile males, their eggs remain unfertilized and the population collapses. This technique successfully eliminated the parasite in the 1960s. Authorities are now deploying the same method across the quarantine zone.

Economic Risk to Texas Beef Production

Texas is the leading beef producer in the United States. The parasite discovery has raised concerns about potential billion-dollar losses for the livestock and food supply chain. Governor Abbott warned the disease will likely spread throughout summer without intervention. Veterinary officials are monitoring for additional cases across the region.

Final Thoughts

The screwworm fly’s return threatens Texas beef production and North America’s cattle trade. Sterile fly releases offer the best defense, but early detection and rapid containment remain critical to prevent widespread losses.

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