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3 clusters · 18 sources · 7 days · First seen · Last updated

New World screwworm outbreak in US

Overview

Animal health authorities in New Mexico confirmed two additional cases of New World screwworm in Grant County, affecting a horse and a calf. This brought the total number of active cases reported across Texas and New Mexico to five. In response, officials established infestation zones with a minimum 12.4-mile radius around affected animals, requiring inspections and treatments before movement.

To manage the spread, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began implementing predictive AI models. These models analyze environmental data, weather conditions, and historical patterns to forecast potential infestation sites. According to Dr. Scott Hutchins, Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics at the USDA, this modeling is intended to optimize the placement of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) to accelerate eradication efforts and protect livestock, pets, and wildlife.

The outbreak has now expanded to include U.S. wildlife, following the confirmation of the parasite in an elk in Pecos County, Texas. The elk was discovered on a game ranch after being harvested by a hunter. This marks the first recorded case in U.S. wildlife, following previous detections in a Texas calf, a horse, and a dog.

The parasitic fly, which typically inhabits South America and the Caribbean, lays eggs in the wounds or body openings of warm-blooded animals, where larvae feed on living tissue. While the USDA stated the parasite does not affect food safety, it poses a significant threat to meat production. The USDA and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are conducting additional wildlife surveillance, while the Texas Animal Health Commission is modifying established infestation zones.

Entities

U.S. Department of Agriculture · Texas Animal Health Commission · Jeff Witte · Agricultural Research Service · Scott Hutchins

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 9 sources
    New World screwworm parasite detected in Texas elk

    The USDA confirmed the first detection of the flesh-eating New World screwworm parasite in U.S. wildlife after an elk in Pecos County, Texas, was found to be infected.

  2. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    USDA uses AI models to track New World screwworm risk

    The USDA is using AI and predictive modeling to forecast the spread of New World screwworm in the U.S. to better protect livestock and wildlife through targeted intervention.

  3. [HEALTH] 6 sources
    New Mexico officials confirm two more New World screwworm cases

    New Mexico officials confirmed two additional New World screwworm cases in Grant County, affecting a horse and a calf, prompting expanded surveillance and mandatory inspection zones.

Sources

astig.ph · cattlebusinessweekly.com · cbsnews.com · eldiariodechihuahua.mx · fernandoplaceres.com · guanajuatoinforma.com · kvia.com · lebardegandi.net · nemosnewsnetwork.com · offthepress.com · periodicocorreo.com.mx · quepasamedia.com · searchlightnm.org · thebeefsite.com · thecattlesite.com · thefencepost.com · theguardian.com · tsln.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history