Flesh-eating parasite just 70 miles from US; check pets, Texas officials say

“Serious concern”

According to the US Department of Agriculture, SENASICA reported that the infected animal— an 8-month-old cow—had recently been moved to a certified feedlot in Nuevo León from a region in southern Mexico with known active NWS cases. In addition to the proximity, the USDA highlighted that "Sabinas Hidalgo is located near the major highway from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, to Laredo, Texas, which is one of the most heavily trafficked commercial thoroughfares in the world."

In a press release on Tuesday, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller called for an aggressive response. "The screwworm is dangerously close," Miller said. "It nearly wiped out our cattle industry before; we need to act forcefully now. That’s why I insist we start using pesticide bait immediately."

In addition to using the bait, Texas officials advise residents of southern Texas to check their pets and livestock for screwworm larvae.

Look for draining or enlarging wounds, as well as signs of discomfort. Also look for screwworm larvae (maggots) and eggs in or around body openings, such as the nose, ears, and genitalia, or the navel of newborn animals.

While NWS can infect humans—and those cases are grisly—it is relatively rare.

The US has halted imports of cattle, bison, and horses from Mexico to try to keep the parasite out. Officials have also set up nearly 8,000 traps across Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. Among 13,000 screening samples, so far, none have turned up NWS.

"The recent case found only 70 miles south of our border should trigger serious concern," Miller said. "Although it hasn't crossed into our territory yet, its proximity means we must get ready for its potential arrival."