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USDA Confirms Screwworm Outbreak, Texas Faces $1.8 B Losses, Canada Ban

6/12/2026

30 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

USDA confirmed six New World screwworm cases in the United States, five in Texas and one in New Mexico.
A USDA lab team from Ames, Iowa, began on-site testing in Kerrville, Texas, eliminating the need to ship samples back to Iowa.
Experts estimate up to $1.8 billion in losses for Texas ranchers, prompting Canada to temporarily ban Texas livestock imports.

History

Historical Context

In 1958 the USDA, with Mexico and the Pan American Health Organization, launched a sterile-insect campaign that released over 94 billion sterile flies, eradicating the New World screwworm from the United States by 1966. Decades later, USDA scientists in Iowa are again responding to 2026 Texas and Mexican cases, fearing billions in cattle losses if the fly returns.

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Story summary

USDA confirmed six New World screwworm cases in the United States, five in Texas and one in New Mexico.
A USDA lab team from Ames, Iowa, began on-site testing in Kerrville, Texas, eliminating the need to ship samples back to Iowa.
Experts estimate up to $1.8 billion in losses for Texas ranchers, prompting Canada to temporarily ban Texas livestock imports.

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