Overview
- The parasite was first confirmed in a Texas calf on June 3, and the U.S. count rose to 15 after three new detections were reported over 24 hours on June 21–22.
- Authorities have imposed quarantine zones across parts of roughly 13 Texas counties to halt movement of warm‑blooded animals out of infested areas.
- The USDA has begun mass releases of sterile male flies and plans expanded dispersal flights to newly affected zones because sterile males prevent future generations but do not kill existing larvae.
- The FDA has authorized emergency veterinary treatments for pets and livestock, and Texas announced a statewide disaster declaration, a public information website, and plans for a proposed $750 million sterile‑fly production facility.
- Shelters and rescues warn quarantines could force large-scale euthanasia or worsen overcrowding, while experts note the screwworm was eradicated in the U.S. decades ago and is unlikely to survive cold winters, making the current threat seasonal but economically and operationally serious.