[REVISION HISTORY]

US screwworm reemergence and record measles surge

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-28 06:32 UTC → 2026-09-11 05:18 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In mid-2026, the U.S. faced a dual crisis involving a record measles surge of 2,295 cases—the highest since 1991—and the reemergence of the New World screwworm after a 44-year absence. The parasite, which moves north from Central America, has caused dozens of infestations in cattle, sheep, goats, and dogs across Texas and New Mexico. To combat the spread, the USDA’s NovoFly program, in partnership with North Carolina State University, began releasing genetically engineered sterile-male flies from aircraft. Additionally, a $300,000 grant from the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research is supporting research into new sterile-male techniques to improve mating competitiveness. While the Dallas Federal Reserve warned of potential billions in economic damage and rising beef prices, officials noted that the parasite does not pose a food-safety risk as larvae require living tissue. The outbreak has created significant secondary disruptions. Movement restrictions on animals from infested areas have been implemented in 44 states, leading to overcrowding and potential increases in euthanasia rates at Texas animal shelters. Specifically, organizations like the Gulf Coast Humane Society in Corpus Christi have reported population surges—increasing from 325 to nearly 450 animals—because they can no longer transport animals to regions like the Northeast 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. ~~Furthermore,~~ As of September 2026, the crisis has amplified national security concerns regarding “narco-ranching,” where organized crime groups exploit livestock operations for money laundering and contraband trafficking. Public health experts emphasize that both expanded to include the ~~measles spike and~~ first equine case of the ~~screwworm resurgence highlight critical vulnerabilities~~ century, with a working ranch horse in ~~U.S. disease-prevention infrastructure.~~ Presidio County, Texas, confirmed to be infected. The Texas Animal Health Commission has since prohibited the movement of warm-blooded animals out of designated infested zones in Presidio and Jeff Davis counties.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.