The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed a case of New World screwworm in South Texas on June 3, 2026. This marks the first confirmed instance of the flesh-eating flies breaching the US-Mexico border. A sample from Texas was sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, for testing, which confirmed the infection in a 3-week-old calf located in Zavala County. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the confirmation via social media. The detection has raised concerns within the US cattle industry.
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New World screwworm infection confirmed in South Texas by USDA
The USDA has confirmed a case of New World screwworm in South Texas, marking the first breach of the US-Mexico border by these flies. The infection was found in a calf in Zavala County, raising concerns in the cattle industry.
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Flesh-eating screwworm infection confirmed in South Texas, USDA says
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New World screwworm infection confirmed in South Texas by USDA