The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed the first case of New World screwworm in U.S. livestock in six decades. The flesh-eating parasitic fly, which eats warm-blooded animals alive, was detected in a calf in South Texas.
The affected animal was a three-week-old calf in Zavala County, located about 50 miles from the Mexico border. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the confirmation after larvae were identified in the animal's umbilical area.
This development poses a serious threat to the nation's cattle industry and food supply at a time when prices are already high. The discovery comes as the U.S. cattle herd is already at its lowest level in 75 years.
The USDA stated that human cases of the parasite are uncommon and there is no risk to food safety.