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3w ago

Screwworm Outbreak Hits 32 U.S. Animal Cases, Largely in Texas

Containment hinges on a rapid scale-up of sterile‑fly production, quarantines, daily inspections, and sterile‑male releases to stop the parasite from becoming established

Cattle graze near a sterile fly dispersal station placed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to combat the spread of the New World screwworm fly on grounds of a ranch near La Pryor, Texas, Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Thousands of dyed fly pupae are seen in a sterile fly dispersal station placed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to combat the spread of the New World screwworm fly on grounds of a ranch near La Pryor, Texas, Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Image
Dyed fly pupae are seen as a sterile fly dispersal station is placed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to combat the spread of the New World screwworm fly on grounds of a ranch near La Pryor, Texas, Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Overview

  • The outbreak began with a confirmed calf case in Zavala County on June 3 and has expanded to 32 confirmed animal infestations, with 31 in Texas and one in New Mexico.
  • All confirmed detections so far involve domestic animals and officials report no positive wild‑fly trap captures or confirmed infections in wildlife.
  • Authorities have set livestock quarantine zones, deployed daily surveillance and roadside inspections, and are conducting aerial and ground releases of sterile male flies to suppress breeding.
  • USDA conversion of a southern Mexico breeding site is complete and officials are planning a major U.S. sterile‑fly factory, but current sterile‑fly output remains below modeled needs for rapid suppression.
  • Veterinarians and shelters warn pet and livestock owners to inspect and treat wounds daily, seek immediate veterinary care for suspected infestations, and expect continued strain on shelters and animal transport as states restrict shipments.