Full Breakdown
New World Screwworm Re-Emerges in Texas: Response, Challenges, and Outlook
7/2/2026, 12:51:05 AM
Texas Outbreak Overview
In early June 2026 a three-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, tested positive for New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax), the first U.S. case in over 50 years. USDA reports 27 confirmed infestations—all in Texas—affecting cattle, sheep, goats and two dogs; an independent tracker lists 29 cases. No wildlife or human cases have been reported.
Historical Context and COMEXA
Screwworm was eradicated in the U.S. in 1966 through a sterile-fly program under COMEXA, which operated a 500-million-fly-per-week plant in Chiapas. COMEXA ended in 2012 and the Chiapas plant closed in 2013, while Mexico reported nearly 28,000 cases since November 2024.
Scale and Economic Stakes
Texas’s cattle sector faces large losses if the pest spreads. USDA models need 500 million sterile flies, yet capacity is 100 million from Edinburg (2027), 100 million from Metapa, Mexico, and 100 million from Panama. USDA releases 4–8 million flies per week in Texas, aiming for a tenfold increase by 2027.
Federal and State Response
USDA Undersecretary for Food Safety Mindy Brashears said meat safety is assured because all slaughtered animals are inspected and any infestation removed before processing. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins dismissed claims that DOGE budget cuts caused the outbreak, noting 120 staff now monitor. Undersecretary Dudley Hoskins warned that a massive increase in sterile-fly production is required to suppress the pest. Texas A&M Extension agent Georgina Macias launched education programs; Texas Animal Health Commission coordinated surveillance.
Criticism and Funding Debate
Texas Democrats have requested a briefing on the role of DOGE cuts. Rollins blamed former President Joe Biden’s border policies for illegal cattle movement, a claim refuted by Texas Animal Health Commission executive director Lewis R. “Bud” Dinges, who found no epidemiological link. Economist David Anderson notes that while market disruption may be limited, the outbreak raises rancher costs and revives debate over cattle import restrictions.
Field Reports
Rancher Mitchell Thomas in South Texas reports tighter herd monitoring and penning animals for rapid inspection. Blanco County Judge Brett Bray issued a disaster declaration to enable swift euthanasia if needed. In Arizona, a $3.74 million USDA grant supports the University of Arizona’s PCR diagnostics and risk-mapping tools.
Data Gaps and Conflicting Numbers
Sources differ on the total case count (26, 27, 29) and on the exact sterile-fly production needed. The pathway of entry—wildlife versus illicit cattle movement—remains unresolved, and the timeline for reaching the 500-million-fly weekly target is unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s not going to affect the meat or any of the products people would eat. We would remove that prior to the food being processed.” — Mindy Brashears, Under Secretary for Food Safety, USDA
- “The idea that DOGE caused this could not be further from the truth,” — Brooke Rollins, U.S. Agriculture Secretary
- “We’re not going to be able to push it back south until we get 500 million sterile flies,” — Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, USDA
- “This event is an educational program to get science-based factual information to the public, both general public and livestock producers, as well as people who enjoy wildlife here in the state of Texas.” — Georgina Macias, Extension Agent, Texas A&M AgriLife
- “This is an example of the land grant engine revving up to bring innovative resources to livestock producers and the public in all 15 Arizona counties and 22 federally recognized tribes.” — Paul Brierley, Director, Arizona Department of Agriculture
- “Awareness and prevention are the most important messages for pet owners right now,” — Dr. Kate Brucker, President, Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association
What’s Next
Edinburg plant aims for 300 million capacity by 2027; Mexico’s Metapa facility adds 100 million flies, expanding the barrier.
