ENVIRONMENT

Screwworm Detection Prompts Quarantine, Response Across Texas Ranchers

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La Pryor, Texas. On June 3, 2026 the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed a New World screwworm infestation in a three-week-old calf in Zavala County, prompting immediate identification of larvae and notification of state and federal animal-health authorities; investigators documented the umbilical-area infestation and sampled the animal for confirmation. This week state and federal teams established a roughly 20-kilometer quarantine zone around the detection site, set fly traps, and released sterile flies as part of containment efforts; USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and Texas officials said only one case is confirmed so far and urged heightened vigilance from ranchers and veterinarians.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.

Aggregated From:

DRGNews CBS News KTSM 9 News

Timeline of Events

Historical eradication removed screwworm from the U.S. in the mid-20th century.
In recent years the fly advanced north from South America through Central America toward Mexico.
June 3, 2026: USDA confirmed a screwworm in a calf in Zavala County, Texas.
Early June 2026: Texas established a quarantine zone near La Pryor and USDA dispatched teams.
Early June 2026: Authorities set traps, released sterile flies, and increased surveillance and reporting.

Why This Matters to You

Screwworms pose a real threat to livestock health. If you're a rancher or live near farming communities, heightened vigilance is key. Watch for unusual wounds on your animals and report any suspicions to your local vet or animal-health authorities.

The Bottom Line

This single screwworm case in Texas doesn't mean an outbreak, but it's a wake-up call. The USDA and Texas officials are on the job, but community vigilance is crucial. Worth forwarding if you know someone in the ranching business.