science
Eight New World Screwworm Cases Confirmed in Texas Since Early June
The first case since 1966 appeared in Zavala County. One additional case has been confirmed in New Mexico.
upi.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
Eight cases of New World screwworm have been confirmed in Texas as of June 11, with the first detected on June 3 in Zavala County. KXAN reported that this marks the first occurrence in the state since 1966. One case has also been identified in New Mexico.
The parasitic fly lays eggs in the wounds or orifices of animals and can be fatal for livestock. The majority of Texas cases involve cattle, while two cases in goats have been recorded by the USDA. KXAN is tracking daily case counts across the state.
A chart published by the station shows the number of new cases reported each day since the start of June, along with a breakdown by species. 8 billion annually, according to Peyton Schuman, senior director of government relations for the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Cattle producers alone could face $735 million to $745 million in losses each year.
6 billion hunting industry faces additional exposure. During an outbreak in the 1960s, 80 percent of Texas' white-tailed deer population was wiped out. U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service stated.
