LUBBOCK — The recent arrival of the New World screwworm in the U.S. has sparked considerable concern and speculation following the confirmation of the first case earlier this month. As of Monday, the number of confirmed cases has risen to 26, with the potential for more as Mexico has reported nearly 28,000 cases since November 2024. This parasitic fly threatens both animal welfare in Texas and the state’s substantial $41 billion cattle industry, which could face a multibillion-dollar crisis if swift action is not taken to eliminate the screwworm.
State and federal authorities are collaborating to halt the screwworm’s advance into the northern regions. In the meantime, public inquiries about the pest have surged, fueled by a lack of general knowledge regarding the parasitic fly. Speculation ranges from illegal cattle transport to the potential for human infestation, alongside discussions about the origins of its resurgence.
Is grocery store beef safe from screwworm?
False. The New World screwworm primarily targets warm-blooded animals and living flesh, making it unlikely to infest packaged ground beef or steak. Moreover, robust safety protocols in food production would likely prevent any infestation from reaching consumers. Mindy Brashears, Under Secretary for Food Safety at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, emphasized that all slaughtered animals undergo inspection, which ensures that any potential issues are addressed before the meat is processed. “We can detect anything that’s on the animal and it would be removed,” Brashears stated.
Can humans be infested by the screwworm?
True. While screwworm infestations predominantly affect mammals such as cattle, pets, and wildlife, humans can also be targeted by this parasite. However, cases in humans are rare and have not been reported in the U.S. They typically occur after exposure in tropical areas where the fly is prevalent, such as parts of South America and the Caribbean. Humans can become infested through open wounds or injuries, with specific body parts like the nose, mouth, and eyes being susceptible. As of June 22, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention documented 2,175 human cases in Central America and Mexico.
Did budget cuts lead to the screwworm outbreak?
Undetermined. It is true that the Department of Government Efficiency reduced funding for a project focused on monitoring and controlling the screwworm in Central America. Additionally, the Trump administration’s budget cuts affected the federal workforce, including a significant reduction in USDA staff. However, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins asserted that the staffing cuts did not hinder the response to the outbreak, citing a dedicated team of over 120 full-time employees now working on the issue, compared to just 10 at the onset of the Trump administration. “The idea that DOGE caused this could not be further from the truth,” Rollins stated during a recent press briefing.
Did illegal cattle or open borders allow the screwworm to enter the U.S.?
False. Officials have indicated that small wildlife and rodents, such as armadillos and rabbits, may be responsible for the screwworm’s entry into the U.S. While Rollins has criticized the Biden administration’s border policies for allegedly facilitating the fly’s migration through illegal cattle trafficking, Lewis R. “Bud” Dinges, executive director of the Texas Animal Health Commission, informed lawmakers that no evidence currently links Texas’s cases to the illegal movement of cattle from Mexico. Moreover, a representative from Texas Parks and Wildlife noted that while wildlife can be affected, small mammals typically do not travel long distances, making it unlikely for them to have crossed the significant gap between the last known detection in Mexico and the first Texas case.
Are there enough sterile flies to combat the screwworm?
True, for now. Experts estimate that eradicating the screwworm will require 500 million sterile flies each week. These sterile flies are designed to mate with female flies, resulting in unfertilized eggs, a method previously employed to eliminate the screwworm. Currently, a sterile fly facility under construction in Edinburg, Texas, which cost $750 million, is projected to produce only 100 million flies weekly by its opening in 2027. Additional facilities in Mexico and Panama will contribute 60-100 million and 100 million flies weekly, respectively. Despite plans to enhance production at the Edinburg facility, it will still fall short of the necessary 500 million flies. During a Texas House hearing, Dudley Hoskins, undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs for the USDA, acknowledged that producing the required number of flies will take time, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and responsiveness.
