New World screwworm outbreak disrupts Texas animal adoptions

The emergence of the New World screwworm in Texas and New Mexico has disrupted animal adoptions across the United States. The flesh-eating parasite, which has crossed the border from Mexico, poses a significant threat to the $113 billion beef industry and can infect domestic pets.

To prevent the spread, federal officials have restricted cattle movements, and forty-four states have implemented restrictions on moving pets from infested areas. This has caused a surge in animal populations within Texas shelters, as organizations that typically transport animals to other regions, such as the Northeast, are unable to do so without veterinary certification of non-infection.

Mia Bendixsen, executive director of the Texas Humane Legislation Network, noted that these restrictions have created significant hardships for both small rescues and large shelters. In Corpus Christi, the Gulf Coast Humane Society reported a population increase from 325 to nearly 450 animals due to these movement limitations, raising concerns that shelters may be forced to increase euthanasia rates if space is not managed.