US Reports Five Cases of Screw Worm Infestation with Billion-Dollar Loss Risks in Texas

US officials have reported five confirmed infections of screw worm in several states, prompting warnings about the pest's expanding spread and the potential for substantial losses in the livestock industry. Investigations continue in the field alongside urgent containment measures.

The US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced three new cases of screw worm infestation, bringing the total number of confirmed infections in the country to five. The livestock sector is on high alert to confront this threat that directly endangers animal populations.

According to a statement conveyed by Reuters, APHIS identified two new infections in Texas: one in a calf located in La Salle County and another in a goat in Gillespie County, as part of meticulous monitoring of the infection's spread.

Previously, a case reported in a dog from Andrews County was reclassified as the first confirmed infection in New Mexico after it was established that the animal resided in Lea County along the state border.

Screw worm is considered one of the most dangerous pests affecting warm-blooded animals. Its larvae feed on living tissues, causing severe injuries that result in deep wounds and intense suffering for infected animals. There is also a limited risk of transmission to humans.

Experts have cautioned that a widespread outbreak of this pest could lead to significant economic damage, particularly in Texas, where prior estimates suggest potential losses could reach $1.8 billion. The infestation also poses adverse effects on wildlife and the agricultural sector.

Dudley Hoskins, the USDA's Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, stated that the situation remains under continuous observation, with new data expected as field investigations progress in affected areas.

In related developments, US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced an upcoming disclosure of beneficiaries from a $100 million fund dedicated to supporting technologies aimed at combating screw worm. During a press conference in Texas, she described the response to the crisis as a "war on screw worm."

These events coincide with growing concerns about the readiness of the US animal health system, following reports of hundreds of veterinarians and specialized USDA staff departing recently. This reduction in personnel may impact the speed of response to any potential outbreaks of animal diseases.