USDA confirms second screwworm fly found in Texas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed a second case of a flesh-eating screwworm parasite in Texas on Friday, as it races to contain and eradicate the outbreak before it severely impacts…
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed a second case of a flesh-eating screwworm parasite in Texas on Friday, as it races to contain and
Read Full Story at The Hill →Why This Matters
The resurgence of the screwworm fly in Texas isn’t just a localized agricultural threat—it’s a potential public health and economic alarm bell. The flesh-eating parasite, once thought eradicated from the U.S., now risks undoing decades of eradication efforts, threatening livestock industries worth billions and raising questions about the resilience of America’s biosecurity infrastructure.
Background Context
Screwworm flies were officially declared eradicated from the U.S. in 2000, thanks to a sterile insect release program that cost over $1.2 billion. The parasite had plagued cattle ranchers for decades, causing open wounds in animals that led to severe infections and even death. This second confirmed case in Texas follows a 2016 outbreak near the Mexico border, suggesting the fly may be persisting in wild or migratory animal populations.
What Happens Next
State and federal agencies will likely escalate aerial and ground surveillance, deploying sterile fly releases and targeted livestock treatments to contain the spread. The timeline for full eradication is uncertain, but delays could force ranchers to implement costly preventive measures, from fly traps to animal inspections. If the outbreak spreads beyond Texas, it may prompt emergency funding requests and stricter cross-border coordination with Mexico.
Bigger Picture
This incident reflects a growing pattern of zoonotic and agricultural threats rebounding due to climate change, wildlife migration, and potential lapses in surveillance. It also underscores the fragility of eradication programs, which rely on sustained funding and global cooperation. As trade and transport accelerate, even localized outbreaks can have outsized economic and ecological consequences.
