New World Screwworm Fly Reappears in Texas and New Mexico, Prompting Public Health Warnings
The New World screwworm fly, which lays larvae that feed on live flesh, has reappeared in Texas and New Mexico after being largely eradicated over 50 years ago. This resurgence has prompted warnings for pet owners to be vigilant and…
Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 8, 2026 —
The New World screwworm fly, a parasitic insect known for laying larvae that feed on live animal flesh, has resurfaced in Texas and New Mexico. This marks a significant return of the pest, which had been largely eradicated from the United States over five decades ago.
The reappearance has led to increased vigilance among pet owners in affected regions. Officials are urging individuals to take preventative measures to protect their animals from potential infestation. The screwworm fly poses a threat by laying its eggs in the open wounds of warm-blooded animals, and the hatching larvae consume the living tissue, which can lead to severe injury or death if left untreated.
In response to the resurgence, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is deploying a strategy to control and combat the spread of the New World screwworm fly. The primary method involves the release of sterile male flies into affected areas. This technique, known as sterile insect technique (SIT), aims to disrupt the reproductive cycle of the pest. When these sterile males mate with wild female screwworm flies, no offspring are produced, thereby reducing the overall population over time.
Further details regarding specific locations of confirmed cases, the precise timeline of the resurgence, and the extent of the USDA’s sterile fly release program were not immediately available. However, the presence of the New World screwworm fly underscores the ongoing need for monitoring and control efforts for invasive and re-emerging pests.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
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