New World Screwworm Threatens Southern States, Beef Prices Already at Record Highs

Southern states are bracing for a potential invasion of the New World screwworm, a parasite that could disrupt livestock markets and further increase already high beef prices. The fly, previously eradicated from the United States in the 1960s, has been spreading across Mexico and Central America and has been detected within 100 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Its larvae burrow into the living flesh of animals, causing severe tissue damage and sometimes death.

The federal government has banned the import of live cattle from Mexico, compounding a domestic beef shortage. Beef prices are already at record highs, with ground beef averaging $6.90 per pound this month, a 77% increase since January 2020.

Years of drought, increased operating costs, and other supply disruptions have reduced cattle herds to their smallest level in 75 years, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

State and federal officials have implemented new monitoring, testing, and quarantine protocols. The USDA has broken ground on a $750 million facility in Edinburg, Texas, to produce up to 300 million sterile male flies per week.

The sterile male flies will mate with females, which lay unfertilized eggs, progressively reducing the fly population. However, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller expressed doubt that the facility will produce enough sterile flies to eradicate the parasite.

"We're going to get infested," he said. "There's no doubt about it."

The USDA has approved emergency use of medications like ivermectin for prevention and treatment, but officials warn against overuse to avoid resistance. Dr.

Samantha Holeck, state veterinarian with the New Mexico Livestock Board, noted that the last infestation took more than a decade to eradicate. "It's not going to be a quick fix," she said.

"It's going to be a long-term response."

New Mexico has distributed test kits to every county extension office, and the state has performed about 30 tests, all negative. In the event of an outbreak, the USDA has created monitoring, reporting, and quarantine protocols but will not stop the movement of animal products, as the disease does not pose a food safety concern.

Dairies may face immediate losses if quarantined, as milk spoils quickly. Producers are advised to review insurance coverage and bolster biosecurity.