Overview
- Officials confirmed a New World screwworm infestation on the hind limb of a working ranch horse in Presidio County, marking the first documented U.S. equine case in this outbreak.
- The Texas Animal Health Commission barred movement of warm-blooded animals out of designated infested zones in Presidio and Jeff Davis counties and maintains zone-based restrictions across many other Texas counties.
- State and federal responses include expanded surveillance, quarantine enforcement, required inspections and treatment certificates for animal moves, and releases from a federal sterile‑insect facility to reduce fly populations.
- Equine and agricultural groups are urging owners to inspect wounds daily, keep cuts clean and covered, use veterinarian‑approved fly control, and avoid moving animals with open wounds until healed and treated.
- The parasite was eradicated in the U.S. in 1966 but reappeared this year starting with cattle cases near the border, most U.S. infections have been in Texas and officials warn a widespread outbreak could cause major livestock losses and large economic harm.