Screwworm outbreak poses $1.8 billion economic threat to Texas
Screwworm outbreak threatens Texas economy with estimated $1.8 billion in costs.
Event / Disaster
New World Screwworm US Detection
First confirmed New World screwworm case in the United States since 1966 detected in Texas calf near Mexico border on June 4, 2026. Detection triggered emergency response including quarantine zone, sterile fly releases, and federal eradication infrastructure investment as parasite advances northward from Panama.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 5 Jun, 01:30 UTC
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2 alternative perspectives
First U.S. human screwworm case confirmed as food safety officials reassure public
First U.S. human screwworm case confirmed; food supply declared safe by federal authorities.
U.S. closes livestock ports to Mexico over screwworm threat
U.S. closes Mexican livestock ports to prevent screwworm outbreak spread.
USDA Expands Sterile Insect Releases as Screwworm Containment Intensifies
USDA escalates screwworm containment with expanded quarantine zone and accelerated sterile insect releases.
Texas declares disaster as screwworm eradication costs reach $2.1 billion
Texas declares disaster as screwworm eradication costs reach $2.1 billion.
Human screwworm infection confirmed as FDA approves canine treatments
Human screwworm case detected; FDA approves dog treatments as outbreak spreads.
USDA launches coordinated federal response to contain screwworm threat
USDA implements quarantine zones, border traps, and sterile insect breeding to eradicate detected screwworms.
Screwworm detected in Texas as outbreak escalates northward
Screwworm detected in Texas and Mexico after Panama barrier breach in 2022.