Remain Diligent About New World Screwworms
Let’s talk about the New World Screwworm, friends. It sounds scary, and we know a lot of you have questions. So here’s the good news and the smart steps to take.
First, the good news. This pest is being contained well down in south Texas, west Texas, and New Mexico. Hardworking folks are on the job, and it’s amazing how much progress we’ve seen in such a short time.
Here’s a little background. The first U.S. animal case was confirmed on June 3, 2026. Since then, teams have worked hard to stop it in its tracks. And great news for people: the current risk to folks here in the U.S. is very low.
Still, we all need to stay alert. A little vigilance goes a long way!
Here’s what you can do:
- Check your pets for any strange wounds or sores.
- Watch your livestock closely, especially open cuts.
- Inspect your game if you hunt, particularly near counties with active or past cases.
Want to keep up with the latest? You can see the current status and confirmed cases right here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm/current-status/confirmed
Together, we can protect the animals we love and keep our community safe.
Have questions? Stop by Arcola Feed in Arcola, Texas. Our friendly team is always happy to help. See you soon!