WASHINGTON, DC – USDA has confirmed New World screwworm in a three-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, marking the first detection of the livestock pest in the state since 1966. Larvae were identified in the calf’s umbilical area, and USDA reports no additional detections to date.
USDA and Texas animal health officials are forming a unified response team and establishing a 12.5-mile (20km) infested zone around the detection. Response measures include quarantine, livestock movement controls, surveillance, and expanded trapping.
Officials are also moving sterile fly releases into the affected area. USDA says ground release chambers will be deployed immediately, adding to the 4 million sterile flies already being aerially dispersed each week in the area.
For ranchers, the detection raises immediate concern over animal health, treatment costs, and cattle movement. USDA urges producers to check livestock and pets for enlarging or draining wounds, especially around newborn animals’ navels, and report suspected cases quickly.
USDA says the food supply remains safe and is working to limit trade restrictions to defined geographic areas. The response now depends on quickly identifying additional cases and containing the pest before it spreads.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Livestock producers should immediately inspect animals for suspicious wounds and prepare for movement controls within affected areas.