Federal animal health officials have confirmed three additional cases of New World Screwworm in the United States, bringing the total number of detections to five and increasing concerns about the parasite's potential spread. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported new cases in a calf in La Salle County, Texas, a goat in Gillespie County, Texas, and a dog in Lea County, New Mexico. The detections follow two previously confirmed cases in calves in Texas, marking the first U.S. cattle cases in roughly 50 years.
The latest findings expand the geographic footprint of the outbreak beyond South Texas and into a neighboring state. USDA officials said the New Mexico case is believed to be isolated, but additional animals at the dog's home are being inspected while investigators work to determine the animal's recent travel history. New World Screwworm larvae feed on living tissue and pose a significant threat to livestock production.
-NAFB