Screwworm Reappears in the U.S. and Raises Concern After Case Detected in New Mexico Dog

Alert Over New World Screwworm As It Reappears in New Mexico

Case Detected in Dog

Officials Investigate Broader Outbreak

The detection of a New World screwworm case in a dog from New Mexico has raised alarms among health and agricultural authorities in the United States, amid an outbreak that had appeared to be concentrated only in Texas.

Why it matters: The parasite was eradicated from the country decades ago thanks to extensive control campaigns, but recently reported new cases suggest it could be reappearing in areas where its presence was not expected, raising concern for both the livestock industry and pet owners.

Screwworm Reappears and Concern Increases Over the Spread of the Outbreak

Screwworm Reappears in the US and Raises Concern – Photo: Shutterstock

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA, announced several new cases of the New World screwworm on June 8, news that came just days after the first local infection in Texas cattle in several decades was confirmed.

The source of the problem is the parasitic fly Cochliomyia hominivorax, commonly known as the New World screwworm.

Unlike other fly species that feed on dead tissue, this insect attacks living tissue.

Adult flies lay their eggs in open wounds or on the mucous membranes of animals and people.

The larvae then emerge and burrow into the tissue, where they continue feeding and cause injuries that can become serious.

According to the USDA, four infections have been identified in Texas so far.

The cases include calves in the southern part of the state and other affected animals in La Salle and Gillespie counties.

The New Mexico Dog Case Raises New Questions

In addition to the cases detected in Texas, authorities reported an infection in a dog from Lea County, New Mexico.

Although the case was initially recorded within Texas statistics because the veterinarian who filed the report works in that state, the finding has raised concern.

Authorities believe it could be an isolated episode.

However, there is a major difficulty in determining the exact origin of the infestation.

According to official information, the dog had not recently traveled to either Texas or Mexico.

That circumstance complicates the investigation and fuels doubts about the possible presence of the fly in new areas of the U.S. Southwest.

The impact could reach livestock, pets, and people.

El impacto podría alcanzar al ganado, las mascotas y también a las personas

Although the livestock sector is the most vulnerable to this type of infestation, experts emphasize that the risk is not limited only to farm animals.

Pets can also be affected

Human beings are also susceptible if they have open wounds that do not receive proper care.

Authorities stress that this is not a disease transmitted from person to person.

However, early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential to avoid complications.

The economic impact is also a concern.

Previous New World screwworm outbreaks caused major losses for the U.S. livestock industry.

The USDA has estimated that an outbreak of similar scale today could generate losses of up to $1.8 billion in Texas alone.

Authorities Seek to Contain the Threat Before It Spreads

Federal officials reported that containment actions are already being developed around all confirmed cases.

In addition, investigations are being conducted near the site where the infected dog was found in New Mexico to determine whether established fly populations exist in the area.

One of the most important tools for fighting the pest is the release of sterile male flies.

The strategy aims to prevent the species from reproducing and gradually reduce its population.

The federal government is also working to expand production of these sterile insects

However, a new facility being built in Texas for this purpose would not begin operating until November 2027.

Meanwhile, authorities recommend keeping wounds on pets and livestock clean and protected, watching for the appearance of larvae or unusual irritation, and seeking immediate veterinary or medical attention if an infection is suspected.

What’s Next

Investigations continue to determine whether the case detected in New Mexico represents an isolated incident or a sign that the New World screwworm is expanding its presence in the United States.

The authorities’ response in the coming months will be key to preventing the outbreak from affecting more animals, generating significant economic losses, and further complicating the country’s meat supply.

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