California Today

Screwworm Cases Spread in Texas Cattle

08 June 2026 09:36

The USDA confirmed two new screwworm cases in Texas, raising the total to four. - New cases found in a calf in La Salle County and a dog in Andrews County.

- The screwworm fly larvae feed on live flesh of warm-blooded animals. - The pest was eradicated in the U.S.

in the 1960s but re-emerged from Mexico. - USDA uses sterile male flies to control the outbreak and plans a new fly factory in Texas.

The situation highlights the ongoing challenge of protecting the cattle industry from this destructive pest.

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PanamaKerrvilleagriculturepestcattlehealthKern CountyWarning