New World screwworm

Several drugs to treat animals during the Texas screwworm outbreak have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, including a generic medication for household pets such as dogs and cats.

The New World screwworm has crossed into Texas from Mexico, threatening livestock, wildlife and pets. Human infections are rare, but officials warn the parasite's spread poses a growing challenge for communities across South Texas.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says the screwworm will continue to spread unless officials adopt a more aggressive response. Also, energy economist Ed Hirs says Texas oil producers are not significantly increasing production despite higher oil prices.

Eleven cases have now been confirmed in Texas as officials expand surveillance efforts, release millions of sterile flies and mobilize resources to stop the flesh-eating parasite from spreading.

Texas A&M AgriLife livestock entomologist Sonja Swiger discusses the risks New World screwworm poses to pets, people and livestock, addresses concerns about the food supply and explains why reporting infestations is critical.

State officials and researchers warned Texas lawmakers in May that New World screwworm was advancing toward the state and could carry a billion-dollar economic toll.

The head of the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association says ranchers should report suspected screwworm cases quickly and not panic as Texas responds to the outbreak.

A sixth case of NWS has been confirmed in a calf in La Salle County, Texas, bringing the total number of cases of NWS in the United States to six. New cases involving a calf in La Salle County and a goat in Gillespie County were confirmed Monday. Federal officials were also investigating an infested dog linked to New Mexico and Mexico.

Two cases of New World screwworm were confirmed in the U.S. — in Zavala County. The parasite, carried by flies, targets the live flesh of warm-blooded animals, including cattle, pets, wildlife and humans, causing severe wounds or death. Spread of the New World screwworm could have a major economic impact on the cattle industry.

A screwworm outbreak would threaten the state’s cattle industry and potentially increase already high beef prices nationwide.