Overview
- The first recent U.S. case was detected on June 3, and federal and state officials say the number of active infestations has grown to 12, with 11 in Texas and one in New Mexico.
- Authorities have established quarantine zones, tightened animal movement rules, banned live cattle imports from Mexico, approved emergency veterinary drugs, and declared a statewide disaster in Texas to speed the response.
- The USDA and partners are releasing millions of sterile male flies to suppress breeding while breaking ground on a roughly $750 million plant intended to produce about 300 million sterile males per week, but full production will take many months.
- Most confirmed hosts are cattle with some goats and a dog affected, and experts warn the outbreak could worsen already tight U.S. beef supplies and sustain upward pressure on prices.
- The episode has sparked political debate over preparedness after APHIS staffing cuts, even as officials emphasize that human infections are rare and properly handled meat remains safe to eat.