Full Breakdown
New World Screwworm Outbreak Threatens Texas Livestock and Pets
7/10/2026, 5:55:21 PM
Outbreak Overview
In July 2026 the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed 32 infestations of the New World screwworm (NWS) in the United States—31 in Texas and one in New Mexico. The parasite, a flesh-eating larva of a tropical fly, has been detected in at least 12 Texas counties and 23 premises, with the most recent case—a sheep in Crockett County—identified on July 3. Movement restrictions now cover 21 Texas counties, prohibiting the transport of warm-blooded animals without certified inspection.
Background & Context
The NWS was eradicated from the United States in 1966 after a sterile-male release program. After a resurgence in Central America and Mexico beginning in 2024, the fly crossed into the United States, first appearing in a calf in Zavala County, Texas, on June 3, 2026. A prior Mexican detection occurred in late May 2026, only 25 miles from the Texas border.
Data & Statistics
- USDA dashboard (July 7, 2026): active cases in six Texas counties—Terrell, Crockett, Edwards, Uvalde, Medina, Jim Hogg.
- Earlier reports cite infestations across 12 counties and 13 counties in different sources.
- Texas cattle production generates roughly $41 billion annually; the U.S. cattle industry is valued at about $113 billion.
- Over 28,000 NWS cases have been recorded in Mexico since November 2024.
- Two confirmed dog cases in Texas and one in New Mexico have been reported.
Economic & Animal-Health Impact
The infestation threatens the multibillion-dollar cattle sector by potentially reducing herd size, disrupting supply chains, and prompting bans on interstate livestock shipments. Several states—including New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania—have blocked animal transports originating from Texas. Pet shelters report operational gridlock as out-of-state transfers are halted, pushing facilities toward capacity limits.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Greg Abbott urged livestock owners to “check your animals daily…treat wounds promptly and work to reduce fly populations.” The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has established quarantine and surveillance zones and provides a 24-hour hotline (512-719-0700). USDA officials have revived the sterile-male release strategy, allocating $21 million to convert a southern-Mexico facility and planning a $750 million fly-factory in Texas slated to open next year.
On-the-Ground Reports
Veterinarians and humane-society officials advise daily inspection of pets for open wounds, especially after tick bites or surgery. Melissa Stansell of Austin Pets Alive! recommends prescription flea-and-tick products, noting they “kill the actual larval stages of these flies.” Shelter staff report that transport bans have forced animals to remain locally, straining budgets and capacity.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the number of affected counties: one report lists 12 counties, another cites 13, while the USDA dashboard shows six active counties as of early July. The precise timeline of case confirmations across counties remains unclear, and no peer-reviewed data on projected beef-price impacts have been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Check your animals daily, check for any wounds, even small wounds like tick bites on navels or newborns or other openings.” — Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas
- “The chemical compositions of those products are what kill the actual larval stages of these flies.” — Melissa Stansell, Veterinarian, Austin Pets Alive!
- “West, Central, and South Texas are affected by this,” — Mia Bendixsen, Executive Director, Texas Humane Legislation Network
- “I mean, I think you can hope for it to be done,” — Amanda Earl, Assistant Director, Dallas Animal Services
- “Even something as small as a tick bite could have an entry route for infection with this parasite,” — Melissa Stansell, Veterinarian, Austin Pets Alive!
What’s Next
The USDA plans to launch a new sterile-male fly factory in Texas next year, expanding the eradication effort that succeeded in the 1960s. State and federal agencies continue to monitor active zones, enforce movement restrictions, and advise pet owners to seek immediate veterinary care for suspected infestations.
