Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) and state officials provided a live update Friday on the state's response to a confirmed case of the New World screwworm.

The reappearance of this flesh-eating parasite poses a significant threat to livestock and wildlife, potentially disrupting agricultural productivity across the region.

USDA officials said the parasite was found in a Texas calf [2]. This represents the first U.S. case of the New World screwworm since its eradication in 1966 [1]. The discovery has triggered a massive response from federal and state authorities to prevent the parasite from spreading further into the domestic animal population [1].

During the briefing, officials detailed the implementation of emergency quarantine measures [3]. These actions are designed to isolate the affected area and monitor for additional infections. The USDA is leading the effort to contain the outbreak through strict movement controls and surveillance of livestock [3].

State officials said there is a need for vigilance among ranchers and farmers. Because the parasite feeds on living tissue, early detection is critical to preventing animal death and minimizing economic loss. The response team is currently working to identify the source of the infection and determine if other animals in the vicinity are compromised [1].

Gov. Abbott said the state is coordinating closely with federal partners to ensure the parasite does not establish a permanent foothold in the U.S. The current strategy focuses on rapid containment and the enforcement of quarantine zones to protect the broader agricultural industry [3].

“First U.S. case of the New World screwworm since eradication in 1966”

The return of the New World screwworm after six decades of eradication represents a critical biosecurity breach. Because the parasite can cause extensive tissue damage and death in livestock, a failure to contain this single case could lead to widespread economic losses for the U.S. cattle industry and necessitate long-term, costly eradication programs similar to those used in the mid-20th century.