New World Screwworm Detected in Texas: Agricultural, Economic, and Political Stakes

The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed a New World screwworm (NWS) infestation in a three-week-old calf in La Pryor, Texas, on June 3 and a second case in a one-month-old calf 5.6 mi away in Zavala County on June 5. A 12-mile (20 km) quarantine and movement-control zone were immediately established.

Screwworms in Texas: What an infestation means for livestock, beef supply and the economy

NWS, eradicated from the United States in 1966, re-emerged in Central America in 2023 and moved north through Mexico. The parasite’s larvae feed on living tissue of warm-blooded animals. The Trump administration had warned of a possible U.S. entry and closed Mexican livestock imports in 2025, but the fly crossed the border despite those measures.

Arizona Republic

Ground-beef prices approached $7 per lb and steak $13 per lb in April 2026. Texas supports $17 billion of the nation’s $113 billion cattle industry; the U.S. herd is at a 75-year low. USDA estimates a full-state outbreak could cost Texas $1.8 billion annually, $732 million per year for producers. Sterile-fly production currently totals ~200 million/week (Panama 100 M, Mexico ? 100 M); the Texas facility under construction aims for 300 million/week by Nov 2027. USDA has released 4 M sterile flies on the ground and 4 M weekly by air.

US Races to Contain Deadly Screwworm Threat to Cattle Supply

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the parasite poses “no threat to the food supply” and “there is no reason to believe this incursion will result in an establishment of the pest.” Undersecretary Dudley Hoskins added, “We have defeated this pest before, and we will do it again.” Governor Greg Abbott declared a state disaster and urged acceleration of the Texas sterile-fly plant. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller warned, “If it’s positive, they’ll quarantine you, so no one’s reporting them because no one wants to be quarantined.”

NewsNation

Miller criticized USDA for “moving too slowly” and relying on a “partial solution” that will not be fully effective until 2027. He called for immediate deployment of the Screwworm Adult Suppression System (SWASS) and asked President Trump to take direct control. Republican strategist Barrett Marson warned that rising beef prices could jeopardize GOP midterm prospects.

The Hill

Ranchers such as Stephen Diebel (Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association) report heightened surveillance, use of insecticide sprays, and concern that an outbreak could force culling of affected cattle. Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening said an outbreak would “drive up already high costs for beef at the grocery stores.” Canada’s Food Inspection Agency imposed a temporary ban on Texas livestock.

The Guardian

USDA first announced a single case; a second case was confirmed 24 hours later, creating uncertainty about the extent of spread. Production capacity estimates differ: Rollins cited a need for 400-500 M sterile flies weekly, while current facilities collectively produce ~200 M. The Texas plant’s completion date is cited as May 2027 by the governor but November 2027 by USDA. The precise pathway by which the parasite entered Texas remains undisclosed.

Politico

• “There is no reason to believe this incursion will result in establishment of the pest in our country,” — Brooke Rollins, Agriculture Secretary

Associated Press

• “We have defeated this pest before, and we will do it again.” — Dudley Hoskins, USDA Under Secretary

The Hill

• “If it’s positive, they’ll quarantine you, so no one’s reporting them because no one wants to be quarantined.” — Sid Miller, Texas Agriculture Commissioner

Politico

• “Without greater sterile fly production... We cannot make it through a second summer.” — Greg Abbott, Texas Governor

The Independent

• “The New World screwworm sounds like something from a horror movie, but it's real,” — Nate Sheets, Republican nominee for Texas agriculture commissioner

Reuters

USDA will continue sterile-fly releases, expand trapping, and maintain the quarantine through the summer. The Texas sterile-fly facility is slated for operation by late 2027. Canada’s livestock ban remains in effect, and market analysts expect continued pressure on beef prices while officials monitor for additional cases. Coordination among USDA, the Texas Animal Health Commission, and industry groups will shape the response as the season progresses.

Newsweek