A second New World screwworm case has been confirmed in Texas, raising more concern about the flesh-eating parasite’s return to the U.S. after decades of eradication. The newest case was found in a one-month-old calf in Zavala County, just miles from the first confirmed Texas case reported earlier in the week. Screwworm flies lay eggs in open wounds or mucous membranes, and once the larvae hatch, they feed on living tissue and can cause severe damage or death if untreated. State and federal officials are responding with animal movement restrictions, increased testing, livestock monitoring, and sterile fly releases to try to stop the parasite from spreading.
Why This Matters:
Beef prices are already high, and a threat like New World screwworm could add even more pressure. If the parasite spreads, ranchers could face quarantines, herd losses, higher labor and treatment costs, and disruptions to cattle movement or meat production. That can mean tighter supply, higher prices, and fewer options at the grocery store. For households, it is another reminder that food storage matters before problems reach the shelf. Having long-term food storage in place, including freeze-dried beef dices and beef crumbles, gives families a backup when pests, disease, drought, or supply chain pressure create uncertainty around everyday food.
Read the full article here.
Source: CNBC
By: Yun Li
