The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed new outbreaks of the New World screwworm in Texas, raising concerns about its impact on the livestock industry. Five cases have been reported, including three calves and a goat in Texas, along with a reclassified dog case in New Mexico. Quarantine zones have been established to contain the parasite, which feeds on live flesh and poses a risk to livestock and wildlife.
The USDA is leveraging a long-standing method of breeding sterile male screwworm flies to control the population, but experts warn that new cases may arise in the coming weeks. The agency has been dropping sterile flies in South Texas since February and aims to bolster production with a $750 million facility.
Currently, beef prices remain stable, despite the concern as cattle numbers decline. Canada has temporarily halted imports from Texas due to the outbreaks. Texas officials encourage ranchers to monitor their herds closely and report cases, emphasizing the treatability of the condition with prompt intervention. Some officials, however, criticize the USDA’s response time, advocating for alternative measures, despite concerns over potential risks of untested methods.
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