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New World Screwworm Threatens U.S. Livestock, $700M Risk

3/28/2026

50 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The New World screwworm is spreading north from Central America toward U.S. border.
The surge follows a control breakdown, with thousands of cases in Panama, Costa Rica, and Mexico.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture warns that a Texas outbreak could cost livestock producers over $700 million annually.
Decline in control stems from budget cuts, reduced foreign aid, and a loss of expertise among entomologists, though new funding has been announced.

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Story summary

The New World screwworm is spreading north from Central America toward U.S. border.
The surge follows a control breakdown, with thousands of cases in Panama, Costa Rica, and Mexico.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture warns that a Texas outbreak could cost livestock producers over $700 million annually.
Decline in control stems from budget cuts, reduced foreign aid, and a loss of expertise among entomologists, though new funding has been announced.