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New World Screwworm Detected in US Livestock, Threatens Beef Prices

7/8/2026

29 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The New World screwworm was detected in United States in June, U.S. case in decades and limited to livestock.
The parasite could raise beef prices, adding billions of losses to southwestern food chain.
Experts say the larvae need living tissue, so the parasite does not threaten safety or enter food supply.
USDA and FDA will remove animals before slaughter and require a withdrawal period for livestock before they enter supply.

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Story summary

The New World screwworm was detected in United States in June, U.S. case in decades and limited to livestock.
The parasite could raise beef prices, adding billions of losses to southwestern food chain.
Experts say the larvae need living tissue, so the parasite does not threaten safety or enter food supply.
USDA and FDA will remove animals before slaughter and require a withdrawal period for livestock before they enter supply.