Flesh-Eating Screwworms Have Arrived in Texas and New Mexico

Five confirmed cases of the New World screwworm have been found in the United States as of June 9 — three new ones announced Monday bringing the total to five in under a week. The parasite, which was eradicated from the US in the 1960s, has been creeping northward through Central America and Mexico since 2023 and has now officially crossed the border.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster on June 5. Canada responded by banning Texas livestock imports entirely. Texas officials called the Canadian response an overreaction. The beef industry is watching nervously.

A widespread outbreak could cost Texas alone $1.8 billion in economic damage and push beef prices even higher — which matters because beef has already been climbing steadily since December 2020, driven by strong demand and the smallest US cattle herd in 75 years.

Where the Cases Are

The five confirmed locations are two calves in Zavala County Texas, one calf in La Salle County Texas, one goat in Gillespie County Texas, and one dog in Lea County New Mexico. The cases are scattered across south and central Texas and into New Mexico — a geographic spread that suggests the infestation isn't contained to one entry point.