New cases of flesh-eating parasite detected: Canada suspends cattle imports from Texas

A flesh-eating parasite affecting livestock is spreading beyond Texas: Three more cases of New World screwworm infection have been reported, including one outside the main outbreak in Texas. This highlights the difficulty of stopping the spread of a parasite that can seriously impact the country's livestock industry, reports Associated Press.

The US Department of Agriculture reported new cases on June 8.

The screwworm is a fly larva that feeds on living flesh rather than dead tissue. Flies lay eggs in open wounds of animals, primarily cattle. Infestation can also occur in wild animals, pets, and, in rare cases, humans. In the United States, a program is underway to breed sterile male flies: they are dropped from airplanes so they can mate with wild females. Because females mate only once, this helps contain the spread of the parasite. This program has kept the screwworm infested in southern Panama for decades.

On the subject: A flesh-eating worm has been discovered in the US for the first time in 60 years: it is extremely dangerous to humans and animals.

Five cases of infection have been confirmed so far: three calves and one goat in Texas, and a dog in neighboring Lee County, New Mexico. The Department of Agriculture initially attributed this case to Texas, but later clarified that the dog lives in New Mexico, making it the first reported case in the state.

The animal had not traveled to Mexico or Texas, so authorities have begun inspecting the area around its whereabouts. If infected flies are found, veterinary authorities will increase enforcement in the region, New Mexico State Veterinarian Samantha Holek said on June 8.

The number of cases of infection continues to rise

The first two cases were detected last week in calves in south Texas, just a few miles apart. On June 8, two more cases were reported: a calf in La Salle County, southwest of San Antonio, and a goat in Gillespie County, west of Austin.

In each case, authorities imposed a quarantine zone with a 12-mile (about 20-kilometer) radius to slow the spread of the parasite.

Scientists fear the screwworm could cause serious damage not only to livestock, but also to Texas's white-tailed deer population, which numbers in the millions.

University of Florida entomologist Edward Burgess noted that more cases may appear in the coming days and weeks, but that does not necessarily mean the parasite is spreading rapidly.

"Once the first case is identified, attention to the problem increases dramatically," he said. "And when you actively look for something, you're more likely to find it."

The fight against the screwworm focuses on Texas.

The parasite's name stems from the fact that its larvae literally screw into tissue through a wound. They destroy the animal's flesh, increase the damage, and increase the risk of fatal bacterial infections. Without treatment, the animal can die within a few weeks. About a dozen drugs are approved for treating livestock.

Federal authorities and livestock industry representatives have been trying to prevent an outbreak since late 2024, when the screwworm was discovered in Mexico. Since February, sterile flies have been dropped in southern Texas. Meanwhile, the United States is increasing their production abroad and plans to build a specialized $750 million plant in Texas.

So far, the parasite's presence hasn't significantly impacted beef prices, which are already near record highs due to declining livestock numbers in the US. Although the screwworm infects live animals, it doesn't contaminate meat or fruit.

On June 5, Canada temporarily suspended imports of cattle, horses, and other farm animals from Texas. The parasite prefers warm, humid climates with temperatures above 25°C, so in the north, the problem is primarily seasonal and only worsens in the summer.

Betting on sterile male flies

According to Burgess, a long-term solution—mass-rearing sterile males—will take several months. U.S. Department of Agriculture Commissioner Brooke Rollins stated that the goal is to completely prevent the parasite's return by 2027, when winter cold wipes out the bulk of the population.

Among other things, scientists are developing methods to sterilize only males in order to increase the effectiveness of the program.

Texas authorities have urged farmers to closely monitor their herds and wildlife. A 24-hour screwworm hotline has been launched, along with a website and map of reported cases.

"This is a highly treatable disease if we act early," said Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.

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Meanwhile, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, who lost the recent Republican primary to an Abbott-backed candidate, believes federal measures are too slow and could undermine the industry. He proposes using poison bait, which he claims could solve the problem within a few months. However, Department of Agriculture and other experts point out that the effectiveness of this method has not been proven, and the bait itself could be dangerous to other flies, animals, and even humans.

"Who needs a 'good fly' anyway?" Miller said in an interview.

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