New World screwworm

Track confirmed New World screwworm infestations in Texas and learn what the flesh-eating parasite is, which animals are at risk, how it spreads, what symptoms to watch for and what officials are doing to contain the outbreak.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is barring horses, pigs, cattle and other animals from Texas due to concerns over New World screwworm, a parasitic fly.

The New World screwworm is back in Texas. The lone star tick is on a tea. And the air is thick with blood-sucking mosquitoes. These are all parasites, and they are aggressively on the hunt for their next victim. We share the planet with these creatures, and we need to understand them to protect ourselves. Are they the villains of the animal kingdom or are they misunderstood?

Mexico’s cattle industry is facing a convergence of drought, disease and disrupted trade that has cut northern Mexican ranchers off from the U.S. market that shaped them for more than a century.

Texas Biomed plans on partnering with Flyttr, formerly known as Oxitec, a private biotech company based in England that specializes in pest management.

As of Thursday, Texas has confirmed 19 cases of New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that could cause nearly $2 billion in annual economic losses. Wildlife experts warn that deer may be especially vulnerable because there is no proven way to treat them in the wild.

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.