U.S. Confirms Second Texas Screwworm Case; Canada Bans Livestock Imports

Outbreak Confirmation in Texas

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed on Friday that a second case of the New World screwworm has been detected in a calf in Texas. The new case was identified in Zavala County in a one-month-old calf. This infection occurred approximately 5.6 miles from the location of the first confirmed case.

The discovery was made while officials were testing a number of suspected cases. The second case was located within a 20km-wide "control zone" that had been established following the detection of the initial infection. New World screwworm larvae are parasitic and feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, which creates severe wounds that can be fatal if they remain untreated.

Canadian Import Restrictions

In response to the detections in Texas, Canada’s food inspection agency has announced a temporary ban on livestock imports from the region. According to an agency news release, cows and horses will not be accepted into Canada if they were in Texas at any time within 21 days prior to crossing the border.

Canadian officials stated that the New World screwworm is unlikely to become a problem within Canada due to the country's colder climate. However, the agency has warned farmers to remain vigilant and monitor livestock for wounds or any cuts accompanied by foul odor or discharge.

USDA Response and Containment Efforts

The USDA has implemented several measures to contain the pest, including quarantines, movement controls, and increased surveillance in the affected area. An APHIS Strike Team is currently on-site in Texas, where mobile response trailers have been deployed.

As part of the eradication strategy, officials are conducting expedited sterile fly releases. The first confirmed case was reported late Wednesday in a three-week-old calf from a cow-calf operation in La Pryor, Texas. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed that initial case during a press call on Wednesday evening.

Context and Safety Impact

These cases are part of a broader outbreak that has been moving through Mexico and Central America, areas that have been under heavy monitoring by U.S. agricultural and health officials.

Despite the risk to animal health, USDA officials have assured the public that the screwworm does not pose a threat to food safety or general supply chains.