Texas parasite outbreak spreads as livestock quarantined
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Texas authorities and U.S. federal agencies are responding to an outbreak of New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite not seen in U.S. livestock for nearly 60 years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the first case on June 3, 2026, in a three-week-old beef calf in Zavala County, Texas, near the U.S.-Mexico border. Since then, 16 affected premises have been identified across nine Texas counties, and cases have reached Lea County, New Mexico. State officials have issued expanding quarantine and movement controls. The parasite, spread by flies laying eggs in wounds, affects animals and occasionally humans but is not directly contagious between hosts.
More context
Timeline
- 1960s New World screwworm last eliminated
- Since 2023 outbreak expands in Central America
- Since 2023 185,000 animal cases reported
- Since 2023 2,175 human cases documented regionally
- June 3, 2026 First U.S. calf case confirmed
- June 23, 2026 Sixteen affected U.S. premises tallied
- June 24–26, 2026 Texas expands livestock quarantine orders
- Late June 2026 Cases detected in Lea County, New Mexico
Why it matters
This parasite outbreak could impact your grocery bill. If livestock losses continue, beef prices may rise. Also, if you live in affected areas, be aware of potential health risks. Though rare, humans can get infected.
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
