Flesh-Eating Parasite Spreads Through Texas As Officials Fight Infestation

By Christine Sellers

Twelve cases of the New World screwworm have been reported in the U.S. as officials work to contain the flesh-eating parasite, according to the Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Data from APHIS indicates that the majority of confirmed cases have been found in livestock in Texas, with the first case being reported on June 3 in Zavala County. However, one case of the flesh-eating parasite has also been found in a dog in Lea County, New Mexico.

At least 12 cases of the New World screwworm have been confirmed, according to the USDA, including a pet dog in New Mexico. The other cases involve cattle and other livestock in Texas. NewsNation’s Xavier Walton has the latest on what’s being done to maintain the outbreak.

More:… pic.twitter.com/BfdKXRoisC

— NewsNation (@NewsNation) June 15, 2026

Although cases of the New World screwworm have mostly been contained to Texas, agriculture officials in the North are taking precautionary measures to prevent potential transmission of the flesh-eating parasite.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding issued a quarantine order limiting the movement of farm animals and pets that are infested with the parasite, suspected to be infested with the parasite or who have originated from an infested area.

“Pennsylvania has no confirmed cases of New World screwworm, but this destructive pest poses a serious threat to our livestock industry, companion animals, wildlife, and agricultural economy,” Redding said of the measure in a June 13 press release.

“Taking proactive steps now to strengthen biosecurity and limit unnecessary animal movements from affected areas will help protect our farms and communities,” he continued. (RELATED: Could A Flesh-Eating Parasite Bring Down Trump’s Midterm Hopes?)

🥊 MAIN EVENT 🥊

Sterile Fly vs. New World Screwworm. One enters to reproduce. One enters to end the bloodline. 🪰

One mission. One goal. Knockout New World screwworm!

Learn more about the sterile insect technique that’s being used to control and eradicate NWS at… pic.twitter.com/a4SXatIOZd

— Dept. of Agriculture (@USDA) June 12, 2026

Similarly, in Florida, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson updated an emergency rule expanding restrictions. This includes prohibiting rescue dogs and cats in states with confirmed cases of the New World screwworm from being imported into Florida.

“New World screwworm remains an ever-changing situation, and Florida’s response will continue to evolve as the facts on the ground evolve,” Simpson said in a June 10 press release from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

“We will respond based on facts, not fear. But we will also continue to be the most aggressive state in the nation when it comes to protecting our livestock, pets, wildlife, people, and agricultural economy from this threat. As additional detections have been confirmed in Texas and New Mexico, we are strengthening what are already some of the strongest protections in the country to keep Florida prepared and protected,” he added. (RELATED: ‘Time Is Of The Essence’: USDA Threatens Mexico Over Fast-Moving Flesh Eating Fly) 

At the federal level, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has visited Texas twice, meeting with ranchers and participating in a sterile fly dispersal, according to NewsNation.

The New World screwworm was originally detected 25 miles from the U.S. border with Mexico, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) said.

The flesh-eating parasite mostly affects livestock and lays eggs in a wound or body opening, according to APHIS, which funds 90% of the Panama-United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of screwworm Infestation in Livestock.

The program, which costs $15 million a year, modifies the flesh-eating parasite with radiation, so it can’t reproduce, Vox reported.