HEALTH

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.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

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 This Matters to You

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.

The Bottom Line

Officials are working hard to contain this outbreak. Keep an eye on local news for updates. If you're in the affected region, check livestock regularly for wounds. Worth forwarding if you know someone in Texas or New Mexico.