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New World screwworm outbreak in US

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-19 02:12 UTC → 2026-10-22 00:32 UTC · added removed

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.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-22 00:32 UTC New World screwworm outbreak in US
  2. 2026-10-19 02:12 UTC New World screwworm outbreak in US

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