First US horse case of screwworm detected in Texas border county
PUBLISHED Sep 12, 2026, 4:17 PM ET
The Texas Animal Health Commission confirmed the first United States horse case of the New World screwworm in Presidio County, marking a significant escalation in an ongoing agricultural biosecurity threat. The flesh-eating parasite, which was eradicated from the United States in the 1960s after causing widespread livestock devastation, was detected in the hind limb of a working ranch horse. In response, state officials issued an emergency containment order banning the movement of warm-blooded animals outside a designated infested zone covering Presidio and Jeff Davis counties. Agricultural authorities and industry groups like the U.S. Equestrian Federation urged horse owners to practice stringent wound control, fly management, and biosecurity protocols. Experts estimate that a full-scale domestic outbreak could inflict up to $1.8 billion in economic losses across the livestock and equine sectors. While smuggling concerns have been raised, the USDA and state authorities have not yet verified the origin of the newly infected animal.
By Ayesha A. | JQJO News
- Articles Published:
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- Right Leaning:
- 3
- Left Leaning:
- 3
- Neutral:
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- Distribution:
- Left 7%, Center 87%, Right 7%
Left: Highlighted regulatory failures, border biosecurity gaps, and economic protection risks. Center: Reported verified USDA confirmations, quarantine orders, and economic cost estimates. Right: Emphasized border security vulnerabilities, smuggling risks, and livestock industry threats.
USDA website confirmed first US horse screwworm case in Texas. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare/first-us-horse-case-screwworm-detected-texas-border-county-2026-03-11/
Coverage of Story:
From Left
Flesh-eating screwworm found in Texas livestock sparks federal response
National Public Radio The New York Times The Washington PostFrom Center
First US horse case of screwworm detected in Texas border county
Reuters Associated Press Equus Magazine EquiManagement The Horse WKZO AgroLatam Texas Public Radio USDA APHIS Politico The Hill USA Today Bloomberg Wall Street Journal NBC News NPR Time Newsweek Forbes Austin American-Statesman Houston Chronicle Dallas Morning News San Antonio Express-News AgWeb Drovers Western Horseman BloodHorse Successful Farming The Cattleman Magazine JAVMA News The Western Producer Meatingplace Feedstuffs The Texan El Paso Times San Angelo Standard-Times Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Amarillo Globe-News Corpus Christi Caller-TimesFrom Right
Flesh-eating parasite hits Texas livestock sector amid border security debates
The Washington Times The Daily Caller The Epoch Times
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