Story perspectives

New World Screwworm Detected—Billions at Risk, Beef Prices Surge

7/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Officials confirmed the New World screwworm was detected in June, its appearance in decades, a development that could add billions to livestock losses and raise beef prices.
The parasite attacks living tissue of animals and cannot survive on dead meat, preventing food-supply contamination.
U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors will remove infested animals before slaughter, following Food and Drug Administration requirements for a withdrawal period on livestock to avoid drug residues.

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Story summary

Officials confirmed the New World screwworm was detected in June, its appearance in decades, a development that could add billions to livestock losses and raise beef prices.
The parasite attacks living tissue of animals and cannot survive on dead meat, preventing food-supply contamination.
U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors will remove infested animals before slaughter, following Food and Drug Administration requirements for a withdrawal period on livestock to avoid drug residues.