Texas has now confirmed two cases of New World screwworm in calves in Zavala County, marking the parasite's return to U.S. livestock after decades of eradication efforts. The detections have prompted containment measures as officials work to prevent the flesh-eating pest from spreading further.

A flesh-eating parasite that the United States spent decades eradicating, and even longer trying to keep at bay, has now shown up in Texas.

1994: Screwworms are eradicated from Belize and Guatemala. Panama becomes the operational headquarters for the USDA screwworm program, and Panama–United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of the Screwworm (COPEG) is established to manage the sterile fly barrier system in Panama.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed a second case of a flesh-eating screwworm parasite in Texas on Friday, as it races to contain and eradicate the outbreak before it severely impacts the cattle population.

The first U.S. case of New World screwworm in decades has dairy producers preparing for a pest that can turn a small wound into a serious animal health threat.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed its first case of New World screwworm in decades, a development livestock officials have feared for months as the destructive flesh-eating parasite advanced steadily north through Mexico toward the U.

The New World screwworm, a devastating parasite, has re-emerged in Texas, sparking concerns over potential economic impacts and criticism of the USDA's response.

New World screwworm larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, creating severe wounds that can be fatal if left untreated.