Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said the threat from New World screwworm has not gone away after new cases were confirmed in Hudspeth County, Texas. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed four new cases on October 24, including two cattle in Hudspeth County. The other two cases, a cow and a ram, were in Doña Ana County, New Mexico.
Miller said the cases show the parasite remains a danger to Texas livestock, ranchers and the nation's food security. He said the threat has received less attention recently but has not ended. Miller has called for a coordinated response that includes more sterile fly production and deployment, enhanced surveillance and rapid detection, along with additional tools to stop the spread.
According to the story, the parasite is a fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. It can cause severe injuries, secondary infections and death if untreated. Cattle, horses, sheep, goats, wildlife, pets and humans can be affected.