screwworm fly

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.

Authorities and farmers are working to contain an outbreak of New World screwworm, a parasitic fly whose larvae infest the wounds of warm-blooded animals, threatening livestock health and trade. Response measures being discussed include animal movement controls, surveillance and Sterile Insect Technique releases. The outbreak has raised concern across cattle-producing regions about economic losses and spread risk.