06/05/2026
Ag Issues, Blog, Press Release
June 6, 2026
The recent confirmation of New World screwworm (NWS) in a calf in Zavala County, Texas, serves as an important reminder of the critical role producers play in protecting animal health. While only a single case has been identified and no additional detections have been reported, the finding has prompted an immediate response from federal, state, and local animal health officials.
New World screwworm is a serious pest that can affect livestock, pets, wildlife, and, in rare cases, people. Unlike typical maggots that feed on dead tissue, screwworm larvae burrow into the living flesh of animals, causing painful wounds and significant economic losses if not quickly identified and treated.
USDA, the Texas Animal Health Commission, and industry partners have already mobilized an aggressive response that includes quarantines, increased surveillance, trapping efforts, and the release of sterile flies to stop the pest from reproducing. Thanks to years of preparation and ongoing monitoring efforts, officials are confident they can contain and eradicate this threat.
For Ag women, this situation underscores the importance of daily stewardship. Whether you’re checking newborn calves, tending livestock, managing records, or coordinating ranch operations, your attention to detail can make all the difference. USDA is encouraging producers to inspect animals for draining or enlarging wounds, signs of discomfort, and the presence of larvae or eggs around wounds and body openings, especially the navels of newborn animals.
The agricultural community has overcome the New World screwworm before, and we can do it again. Success will depend on producers staying informed, reporting suspicious cases promptly, and supporting the animal health programs that safeguard our livestock industry.
As advocates for agriculture, ranch women can also help educate their families, neighbors, and communities about the importance of biosecurity and disease surveillance. Protecting animal health protects rural livelihoods, strengthens our food system, and preserves the future of American agriculture.
The detection in South Texas is a reminder that threats to agriculture can emerge at any time, but it is also a testament to the resilience and determination of those who care for our nation’s livestock every day. By staying vigilant and working together, we can help ensure this pest is stopped before it gains a foothold in the United States.
For more information on NWS, please visit the USDA link.
