Texas A&M AgriLife Responds After New World Screwworm Found in Texas

Jun 04, 2026

By Adam Russell

Following the June 3 announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, APHIS, confirming the presence of New World screwworm, NWS, in Texas, experts across Texas A&M AgriLife are supporting state and federal agencies in their response and providing educational programming and resources to help protect livestock producers, wildlife managers, veterinarians, public health professionals and Texas families.

The USDA-APHIS confirmed the detection of a New World screwworm in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County on June 3.

Although the parasite presents serious risks to livestock, wildlife, companion animals and, in rare instances, humans, experts emphasize that Texas is not in crisis mode but rather is entering a period of heightened awareness and coordinated response.

Texas A&M AgriLife is here for Texas

Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service have prepared educational materials, training, fact sheets, guidance documents and surveillance support to help Texans detect potential infestations early and reduce the pest’s impact.

Experts from across Texas A&M AgriLife’s agencies and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, including specialists in the Department of Entomology, Department of Animal Science, Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, AgriLife Extension Agricultural and Environmental Safety Unit, and the AgriLife Extension Disaster Assessment and Recovery unit. The College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences will also play a vital role in this effort.

These experts will continue to support USDA-APHIS, the Texas Animal Health Commission, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as federal and state agencies respond and manage the emergency.

Source : tamu.edu

Video: Five Confirmed New World Screwworm Cases Raise Alarm for Livestock and Pet Owners

Pat Hoffmann, Swine Technical Consultant at Elanco Animal Health tells us about the impact of New World Screwworm. The emergence of New World screwworm in the U.S. creates a threat for veterinarians, livestock producers and pet owners that has not been seen north of the Florida Keys since the fly was eradicated from the United States more than 50 years ago. New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) larvae feed on living tissue and can affect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including livestock, companion animals, wildlife, and even humans.
“New World screwworm could have a devastating impact on animal health, welfare, and producer livelihoods,” said Jeff Simmons, President and CEO, Elanco Animal Health. “We want to thank the FDA, EPA and USDA, for all their work to prepare for this threat. We’re committed to supporting our customers during this challenging time by delivering innovation, scientific expertise, and available resources to help treat New World screwworm and support the health and well-being of animals.”
Elanco is working alongside the U.S. animal health industry to help them fight against this parasite, offering a portfolio of options for pets and livestock that can help treat New World screwworm larvae infestations.