Texas officials report expanding screwworm outbreak statewide | JQJO

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed two new screwworm cases in Edwards County, Texas, within the last 24 hours, raising the total number of confirmed infections to 15 and signaling a clear westward expansion of the outbreak. The infestation, which officials had previously believed was stabilizing in more limited areas, is now spreading more aggressively, prompting urgent health advisories from both state and federal authorities. Screwworms are parasitic larvae that feed on the living flesh of warm-blooded animals and humans, creating deep, painful wounds and posing a severe threat to livestock, wildlife and public health across affected communities.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The spread of the parasite has alarmed ranchers, veterinarians and public health officials, who warn that failure to contain the outbreak could lead to wider disruption in agricultural operations. Health authorities in San Antonio are urging residents and producers to closely monitor cattle, horses, pets and other domestic animals for unusual behavior or suspicious lesions and to report any concerns immediately. In response, the USDA is coordinating with Texas state health departments to intensify surveillance, enforce animal movement restrictions where necessary, and deploy localized treatments as part of emergency response protocols, while officials keep broader quarantine mandates under consideration if current measures do not halt the spread.