The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed the discovery of New World screwworm in a three-week-old calf in La Pryor, Texas. This parasitic fly, which burrows into the tissue of warm-blooded animals, poses a potential threat to the cattle industry, which is already facing challenges due to a low cattle herd population. The USDA noted that this is the only case identified in the U.S. so far, but an outbreak could lead to increased cattle mortality and weight loss, further straining ranchers financially. Beef prices, which have risen approximately 75% since December 2020, may continue to increase as a result.
The U.S. cattle herd is currently at its lowest level in 75 years, and a significant outbreak of screwworm could exacerbate this situation. The USDA has indicated that containment measures may include restrictions on cattle movement and quarantine of affected herds. The recent detection follows cuts to funding for monitoring and containment efforts led by the Department of Government Efficiency, which was initiated under the Trump administration. Agriculture officials have expressed concerns about these funding cuts, particularly as they coincide with the resumption of cattle imports from Mexico without the previous level of monitoring.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller criticized the USDA's response, stating that the agency moved too slowly and relied on insufficient measures to address the threat. The USDA previously eradicated screwworm in the 1960s through a sterile fly program, but recent outbreaks in Mexico and Central America have raised alarms about the parasite's return to the U.S. Estimates suggest that another outbreak could result in economic damages of up to $1.8 billion, similar to losses experienced in a 1976 outbreak. The USDA has begun implementing containment strategies, including quarantines and surveillance in the area surrounding the infected calf.