AI-generated image for illustration purposes.
Federal and state animal-health officials have confirmed the first U.S. horse case of New World screwworm in Presidio County, a West Texas border county. The confirmation adds urgency to efforts to contain the flesh-eating parasite and protect livestock and horses.
The Texas Animal Health Commission issued an order restricting the movement of warm-blooded animals outside a designated infested zone in Presidio and Jeff Davis counties. Officials said the affected animal was a working ranch horse and encouraged horse owners to inspect animals regularly.
New World screwworm larvae can infest open wounds on warm-blooded animals. The parasite was declared eradicated in the United States in the 1960s after a major campaign using sterile flies, but recent animal cases have renewed concern in Texas and along the border.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has been tracking the outbreak, while Texas authorities have emphasized wound care, fly control and biosecurity. Horse owners who see suspicious wounds, unusual irritation or signs of infestation should contact a veterinarian or animal-health authority promptly.
Economists and agricultural officials have warned that a widespread outbreak could carry major costs for Texas livestock operations. The immediate restrictions are intended to slow movement that could spread the parasite while animal-health teams continue surveillance and response work.
