Texas Activates Emergency Response Over Flesh-Eating Parasite
Texas Activates Emergency Response Over Flesh-Eating Parasite
US · Published Jun 9, 2026
Texas activated its Emergency Operations Center on Monday, June 8, after the spread of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that threatens livestock, wildlife, pets and, in rare cases, humans.
Officials confirmed four recent cases, including infected calves in South Texas and a dog in New Mexico.

Why It's Important?

The New World screwworm poses a severe economic and ecological threat. For livestock producers, the parasite can cause significant harm, leading to reduced productivity, costly treatments, and potentially death, impacting the agricultural economy. Wildlife populations are also vulnerable, with the potential for widespread devastation among native species. Pet owners face the risk of their beloved animals contracting the parasite, which can lead to painful and dangerous infections. While human infections are rare, they are a serious concern, underscoring the need for immediate and decisive action. The coordinated response aims to prevent a broader outbreak that could have devastating consequences for animal welfare and agricultural livelihoods across the region.

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