Federal agricultural authorities have confirmed an additional case of New World screwworm in Texas, bringing the total number of reported infections in the U.S. to 32 since the parasite’s resurgence last month. This latest detection occurred in a sheep located in Crockett County, a region that has become the epicenter of the outbreak.
According to the latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), all confirmed cases thus far have involved domestic animals, with no infections noted in wildlife or feral populations. Additionally, there have been no captures of the wild screwworm flies in surveillance traps. Currently, 18 of the cases remain active, while 14 have been deemed inactive.
The recently confirmed case was reported on July 3 and underscores the ongoing concerns regarding the flesh-eating parasite. The New World screwworm was previously eradicated from the U.S. in 1966, and its return has prompted significant state and federal responses, which include quarantines, roadside inspections, and aerial releases of sterile flies to combat the outbreak.
Texas officials have established multiple quarantine zones across more than 20 counties, restricting livestock movement from affected areas in an effort to prevent further spread of this dangerous parasite. The larvae of the New World screwworm feed on living tissue, posing a severe risk to livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, and horses.
State officials are urging ranchers and animal owners to conduct daily inspections of their livestock for any signs of unusual wounds or lesions. Any suspected cases should be reported immediately to the Texas Animal Health Commission. The Texas State Emergency Operations Center remains activated under a Level II response, and Governor Greg Abbott’s disaster declaration is still in effect as agencies continue to work collaboratively to manage the outbreak.
The first case of this current outbreak was confirmed on June 3, 2026, and since then, all reported infections have been found in domestic livestock in Texas and neighboring New Mexico. The New World screwworm poses a significant threat to the livestock industry, as untreated infestations can escalate quickly and become fatal. However, timely treatment is effective when infections are identified early.
The USDA updates its New World screwworm dashboard daily at 6 p.m. Eastern, and as of the latest update, there have been no reported human cases or wild fly trap detections in the United States.
