screwworm

A wild screwworm fly has been found in Texas, the first detection there since the current outbreak began. The parasitic fly, whose larvae infest the wounds of warm-blooded animals, poses a serious threat to livestock and wildlife. The discovery will raise concern among ranchers and agricultural officials monitoring the pest's northward spread from Mexico.

The largest international livestock crossing has reopened following a closure prompted by a screwworm outbreak. The reopening restores the movement of cattle and other animals across the border, a key route for the regional livestock trade. Producers and traders had faced disruptions while animal health authorities worked to contain the parasite, and the resumption is being welcomed as a return to normal operations for the sector.

Health and agricultural authorities are working to combat an outbreak of New World screwworm, a parasitic fly whose larvae infest the wounds of warm-blooded animals. The parasite, largely controlled in the Americas for decades through sterile insect techniques, poses a serious threat to livestock and wildlife. Control efforts typically involve surveillance, animal treatment and releasing sterile flies to break the reproduction cycle.