New World Screwworm Near the Texas Border: What Producers Need to Know

Sep 23

A confirmed case of New World screwworm (NWS) was recently found in an eight-month-old calf in Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo León, Mexico, less than 70 miles from the U.S. border. This is the northernmost detection of the current outbreak and it’s something every livestock producer in Texas and the surrounding states needs to pay attention to.

What Is the New World Screwworm?

The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living tissue in open wounds or mucous membranes of warm-blooded animals. That includes cattle, sheep, goats, and even humans. Left untreated, infestations can become severe and sometimes fatal. While the U.S. successfully eradicated NWS in the 1960s, it has been making its way north through Central America and has now reached northern Mexico.

Why This Matters for Texas Producers

Texas is the largest cattle-producing state in the country, so any threat to herd health is a serious concern. Infestations can spread quickly, leading to livestock losses, added veterinary costs, and labor demands. A statewide outbreak could cost billions, and trade restrictions on cattle, bison, and horses from Mexico are already impacting cross-border commerce.

For producers, this isn’t just a news item. It’s a reminder that even threats outside the border can have a real impact on operations, cash flow, and long-term planning.

Current Containment Efforts

The USDA has responded with several proactive measures. Sterile flies are being released from a facility in Edinburg, Texas, surveillance traps are deployed across southern states, and ranchers and veterinarians are receiving training to help spot and report potential infestations. These efforts are working to keep the outbreak from reaching U.S. herds, but vigilance is critical.

Steps Producers Can Take Now

There are several steps livestock owners can take now:

Inspect animals regularly for wounds or unusual behavior.
Report any suspicions to the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) or the USDA.
Implement strong biosecurity practices, including limiting movement of animals and checking new livestock before introducing them to the herd.
Stay informed on guidance from USDA and TAHC to ensure operations are compliant and prepared.

Looking Ahead

We work with producers every day who are making decisions under pressure, balancing market timing, cash flow, and operational risk. Issues like NWS are a clear example of why planning and strategy matter. Understanding the risks, having a contingency plan, and knowing how to act quickly can protect both livestock and your operation’s financial health.

The NWS situation is evolving, and producers need to stay alert. Being proactive now, inspecting livestock, implementing biosecurity measures, and planning for contingencies can prevent small problems from becoming major ones.

Resources for Producers

Texas Animal Health Commission: https://www.tahc.texas.gov
U.S. Department of Agriculture: https://www.usda.gov
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu

Carman Hicks

Carman Hicks, a small-town Oklahoma native, brings her passion for agriculture and expertise in social media, design, and brand management to Empire Ag. With a degree in Agricultural Communications and Agribusiness from Oklahoma State University, Carman’s dedication to the ag industry shines through her work amplifying the voices of farmers, ranchers, and ag businesses. She’s excited to contribute to the legacy of agriculture by sharing impactful stories and creating meaningful connections.

https://youragempire.com