Second Case of Screwworm in Texas Cattle Prompts Canadian Import Ban
A second case of New World screwworm (NWS) infestation in cattle has been confirmed in Texas, prompting Canada to impose a temporary ban on livestock imports from the state. The Texas governor declared a statewide disaster and established a 20-km quarantine zone. The USDA is intensifying containment efforts, including aerial releases of sterile flies.
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(Central News Agency, Washington, D.C., combined foreign reports, December 5) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that a second case of New World screwworm (NWS) maggot infestation has been confirmed in cattle in Texas. Simultaneously, Canada announced a temporary ban on livestock imports from the state.
According to Agence France-Presse, the USDA posted on social media platform X that the second case of NWS maggots was found in a calf in southern Texas, approximately 9 kilometers from the first case reported the previous day. Screwworm maggots infest cattle and can be fatal.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statewide disaster declaration tonight in an effort to prevent the spread of screwworm.
Texas has established a quarantine zone of nearly 20 kilometers, meaning all warm-blooded animals, including pets, must be inspected before leaving the area.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency stated in a press release that Canada has temporarily banned the entry of any livestock that has been in Texas within the past 21 days.
According to the USDA, the New World screwworm was believed to have been eradicated in the United States in 1966. However, an outbreak occurred in Florida in 2016, primarily affecting deer, and was eradicated the following year.
New World screwworm persists in South America and has begun migrating northward in recent years. The first case was discovered near the Mexican border, causing panic among ranchers, particularly cattle farmers.
Screwworm flies lay eggs in open wounds or on mucous membranes of warm-blooded animals. The hatched larvae feed on living flesh. If left untreated, the infestation can be fatal. Screwworm maggots can also affect wildlife, pets, and even humans.
The past successful eradication of this fly in the U.S. was largely due to the aerial release of millions of sterile male flies to mate with wild females.
U.S. officials stated that approximately 4 million sterile flies are being released from the air each week, and another 4 million screwworm pupae are being deployed in ground release chambers.
A USDA study last year estimated that a screwworm resurgence in Texas could cause up to $1.8 billion in economic losses to the state. (Editor: Liu Shuqin) 1150606
According to Agence France-Presse, the USDA posted on social media platform X that the second case of NWS maggots was found in a calf in southern Texas, approximately 9 kilometers from the first case reported the previous day. Screwworm maggots infest cattle and can be fatal.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statewide disaster declaration tonight in an effort to prevent the spread of screwworm.
Texas has established a quarantine zone of nearly 20 kilometers, meaning all warm-blooded animals, including pets, must be inspected before leaving the area.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency stated in a press release that Canada has temporarily banned the entry of any livestock that has been in Texas within the past 21 days.
According to the USDA, the New World screwworm was believed to have been eradicated in the United States in 1966. However, an outbreak occurred in Florida in 2016, primarily affecting deer, and was eradicated the following year.
New World screwworm persists in South America and has begun migrating northward in recent years. The first case was discovered near the Mexican border, causing panic among ranchers, particularly cattle farmers.
Screwworm flies lay eggs in open wounds or on mucous membranes of warm-blooded animals. The hatched larvae feed on living flesh. If left untreated, the infestation can be fatal. Screwworm maggots can also affect wildlife, pets, and even humans.
The past successful eradication of this fly in the U.S. was largely due to the aerial release of millions of sterile male flies to mate with wild females.
U.S. officials stated that approximately 4 million sterile flies are being released from the air each week, and another 4 million screwworm pupae are being deployed in ground release chambers.
A USDA study last year estimated that a screwworm resurgence in Texas could cause up to $1.8 billion in economic losses to the state. (Editor: Liu Shuqin) 1150606
FAQ
What is the New World screwworm?
A parasite that lays eggs in open wounds of warm-blooded animals. The larvae feed on living flesh and can be fatal if untreated. Endemic to South America, it is migrating north.
What action did Canada take?
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency imposed a temporary ban on all livestock that had been in Texas within the past 21 days.
Has the US eradicated this pest before?
Yes, the screwworm was believed eradicated in the US in 1966. A 2016 outbreak in Florida, mainly in deer, was eliminated the following year.