A screwworm outbreak has emerged in Texas and New Mexico, marking the first cases since the 1980s. Previous eradication efforts relied on releasing sterile males to control the parasite's population. The recent resurgence raises concerns about agricultural impacts and the effectiveness of past control measures.
On June 3, 2023, a three-week-old calf was discovered with infection from the screwworm parasite near La Pryor, Texas.
Following this case, additional instances of screwworm have been recorded in both Texas and New Mexico.
Screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, was successfully eradicated from the continental US through a program that introduced millions of sterile male flies.
This method ensured that most females mated with non-viable males, thus leading to a decline in the screwworm population.
The failure of the 'screwworm barrier' at the Darien Gap has led to the resurgence of this pest after decades of control efforts. The barrier, maintained by COPEG, sought to prevent the screwworm from spreading north from South America, where it remains a persistent threat.
Agricultural agencies are mobilizing to contain the outbreak, replicating past successes with extensive releases of sterile males in the affected areas.
Addressing this outbreak is crucial for protecting livestock and the agricultural economy in the southern US.
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A screwworm outbreak has emerged in Texas and New Mexico, marking the first cases since the 1980s. Previous eradication efforts relied on releasing sterile males to control the parasite's population. The recent resurgence raises concerns about agricultural impacts and the effectiveness of past control measures.