Authorities confirmed three new New World screwworm infestations on Monday, June 8 [1], bringing the total known cases to at least five [1].

The spread of this parasite threatens the health of livestock and may impact beef prices, a development that has prompted urgent concern from agricultural officials.

Initial cases were identified in two calves in South Texas [2]. The most recent reports include a calf near San Antonio, a goat near Austin, and a dog [1]. There are conflicting reports regarding the location of the dog case, with some sources placing it in New Mexico [1] and others in Andrews County, Texas [2].

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Ro said the situation during a news conference on Monday [3]. Officials said the parasite is difficult to contain once it begins to spread across different regions.

While some reports listed the total number of cases as four [4], other data indicates the count has reached at least five [1]. The parasite targets open wounds in animals, allowing larvae to feed on living tissue.

Agricultural experts said the ability of the screwworm to move between species, affecting cattle, goats, and dogs, complicates eradication efforts. The potential for a wider outbreak has put the cattle industry on high alert as officials monitor the movement of the parasite across state lines.

“The spread of this parasite threatens the health of livestock and may impact beef prices.”

The emergence of New World screwworms in the U.S. represents a significant biosecurity threat. Because these parasites can devastate livestock populations and disrupt trade, the uncertainty regarding the exact number and location of cases, specifically the discrepancy between Texas and New Mexico, suggests a challenging containment window for the Department of Agriculture.