Screwworm Found Closer Than Ever to US Border

A recent case of New World screwworm in cattle has brought the parasitic threat closer to the U.S. than it’s been in decades. The New York Times reports that an infected cow was found in Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo León, Mexico—less than 70 miles from the Texas border. This marks the nearest confirmed case to the U.S. since the parasite was eradicated domestically in the 1960s. The previous closest case was 370 miles away, in Veracruz.

The infected animal, an 8-month-old calf, was part of a 100-head shipment originating from an outbreak zone further south. Only one animal tested positive, and all were treated with ivermectin prior to their arrival in Nuevo León, according to Mexican authorities.

Screwworm flies pose a serious threat to livestock. They lay eggs in open wounds, and their larvae feed on living tissue, which can be fatal to animals if left untreated. Mexico has reported over 500 active cases in its southern states this year.

Officials say the case was caught early and protocols agreed upon with the U.S. are being followed. On the American side, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized the seriousness of the situation, calling it a “national security priority.” She added, “We will not rely on Mexico to defend our industry, our food supply, or our way of life.”

To help control the outbreak, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has been producing sterile screwworm flies in Panama and plans to spend an additional $30 million to expand production and dispersal efforts. Both countries are monitoring thousands of traps along the border. So far, no screwworms have been detected on the U.S. side.

Live cattle imports from Mexico have been temporarily halted. Mexico’s national ranching federation warns the suspension could cost the industry up to $400 million if it remains in effect through the end of the year.

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