The worst fear of Texas officials may have already been realized: New World Screwworm has made a comeback.
Screwworms are the larvae of a species of fly that hatch from eggs laid in wounds or sensitive areas of warm-blooded animals, burrow their way in, and consume the animal’s flesh, leaving gaping fist-sized ulcers and often causing the animal’s death. Sometimes referred to as “flying piranha,” they can infect a wide variety of mammals and birds, even humans, but most infamously cause devastation to cattle herds.
They have been contained to Central America for decades by U.S. agricultural programs. But after the pandemic and a round of Trump administration cuts to public programs, New World Screwworms have spread north and samples have reportedly been discovered in South Texas. A resurgence of the parasite in the United States could devastate cattle ranches, disrupt supply chains, and cause a fresh spike in the price of beef.
The news has Texas officials in both parties vowing swift and decisive action.
“This is a serious matter and a time to unite and work together,” wrote Republican state Rep. Don McLaughlin on X. “If this case is confirmed I will stand lock step with every local, state and federal agency to work together and fight this horror. As we gather more information and work with different agencies we will keep South Texas informed and protected.”
Sid Miller, the Republican Agriculture Commissioner of Texas and a critic of the federal government’s response to the crisis, issued a statement urging President Donald Trump, “I am asking you to take direct control of this response. Cut through the bureaucracy, deploy SWASS immediately, and throw every available federal resource at this threat before it becomes a full-blown agricultural disaster.”
Meanwhile, Democratic U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico addressed the threat as well.
“Right now, the cattle industry — an essential part of Texas’ economy and culture — is in jeopardy,” he said in a statement. “We must fully staff the USDA so that the federal government can provide clear and predictable guidance for ranchers and work alongside the Texas government and the cattle industry to keep pests like the New World Screwworm out of our herd.”
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