New World Screwworm Detected in U.S. for First Time in Over 50 Years, Prompting Containment Response

New World screwworm was detected in the United States this week, marking the first such case in more than half a century. The parasite poses a direct threat to the country's $113 billion livestock industry.

U.S. Is racing to stop the spread of the deadly parasite. The detection triggered immediate containment efforts by federal and state authorities. The screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals.

Livestock producers have historically faced severe losses when infestations go unchecked. U.S. case occurred more than 50 years ago, after which eradication programs kept the pest out of domestic herds.

The reappearance raises questions about how the fly crossed established barriers. @AJEnglish reported that officials are now examining the source of the current infestation and assessing the geographic scope of any spread. The agency did not release the precise location of the detection or the number of animals affected.