New World Screwworm Detected in United States in June 2026

New World screwworm was detected in the United States in June 2026 for the first time in decades, CNN reported. The fly lays eggs in open wounds or mucous membranes of warm-blooded animals including livestock. Larvae hatch within 12 to 24 hours and consume living tissue.

The Dallas Federal Reserve estimates potential economic damage in the billions of dollars for the southwestern United States alone. Americans already face record high prices for burgers and steak. CNN reported that the parasite threatens food prices but not food quality.

“It’s a threat to food, inasmuch as it’s a threat to food prices, but it’s not a threat from the perspective of food quality or the food that you’ll be consuming,” said Maximillian Seunik, executive director of Screwworm Free Future. “Meat is still safe,” said Dr.

Jonathan Cammack, assistant professor and state extension specialist in livestock entomology and parasitology at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.

He added that screwworm is not a true disease that spreads from animal to animal. USDA meat inspectors would designate an infested animal as U.S. Suspect and require further examination. Animals treated with medicine must be withheld from the food supply for a specified period under FDA rules.

An animal recovered from infestation could enter the supply after larvae removal and wound disinfection. Texas and New Mexico are conducting awareness campaigns and distributing educational materials to hunters. The USDA advises hunters who encounter an infested animal to avoid handling it, call the local Wildlife Services office, record the location, and take photos of the wounds.

A screwworm wound would be visible, contain cream-colored maggots, and emit a pungent smell.