Two cases of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, have been confirmed in Texas calves, marking the first detection of the parasite on a U.S. farm in decades. This development poses a threat to the $113 billion U.S. cattle industry for the first time in more than a half century.
The parasite's larvae feed on the living flesh of warm-blooded animals and humans. Following the initial detection of an infested calf in South Texas, a second case was confirmed by the US Department of Agriculture.
Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration as state and federal officials work together to slow the spread of the infestation. Agencies have fanned out in South Texas to implement aggressive response measures, which include the release of sterile flies to stop the parasite.