USDA launches $105 million program to curb New World Screwworm in U.S. livestock

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $105 million investment in 40 research projects aimed at eradicating the New World Screwworm, a parasitic fly that threatens cattle, horses and other warm‑blooded animals. The initiative includes developing sterile‑fly releases, AI‑driven drones for surveillance, insect‑killing fungi, detection dogs and novel traps, and it may involve a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security.

The outbreak, first confirmed in a Texas calf on June 3, has produced 11‑12 active cases in Texas and New Mexico, with no detections in wildlife to date. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is maintaining a public dashboard of case locations and is expanding monitoring tools.

The U.S. Equestrian Federation held a webinar to inform horse owners about the risk, offering guidance on wound care and rapid treatment. Meanwhile, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture issued movement restrictions for animals entering the state from affected zones, requiring recent veterinary inspection certificates and visual checks.

The infestation has also influenced market sentiment: cattle futures rose, and the USDA cited the need to protect the multibillion‑dollar cattle industry and related export markets.