Texas battles first screwworm outbreak since 1966

US federal and Texas state officials have launched an aggressive response after confirming the first case of New World screwworm in Texas since 1966.

The flesh-eating parasite was discovered in a calf near La Pryor, raising concerns across the livestock industry.

Screwworm larvae burrow into the living flesh of warm-blooded animals, often causing severe injury or death if untreated.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said authorities have not detected any additional infestations in cattle or other animals and remain confident they can contain the outbreak.

Officials immediately halted livestock movement within a 20-kilometer radius of the infected site and established inspection checkpoints on major roads leaving the area. 

Vehicles transporting animals are being stopped and examined for signs of infection. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is also releasing sterile screwworm flies by air and ground, a proven method that helped eradicate the pest from the United States in the 1960s.

The outbreak comes at a difficult time for ranchers. The US cattle herd is already at its smallest level in 75 years after years of drought and high feeding costs, raising concerns about even higher beef prices. Experts warn that a widespread screwworm infestation could cost Texas livestock producers up to $1.8 billion and further tighten cattle supplies.

While officials stress that the parasite does not threaten food safety, traders briefly pushed cattle futures lower before prices rebounded more than 3% as confidence in containment efforts grew. 

Meanwhile, the USDA will keep US ports closed to Mexican livestock imports and continue intensive monitoring to prevent the parasite from establishing itself in the country.

A wider outbreak could further reduce cattle numbers, threaten other livestock and pets, and increase costs for ranchers.