Commissioner sounds alarm as more New World Screwworm cases confirmed in West Texas

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is raising alarms after U.S. officials confirmed two New World screwworm cases in Hudspeth County, Texas, and additional detections across the region. On October 24, the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed four new cases: two cattle in Hudspeth County, one cow in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, and one ram in Doña Ana County. Miller warned the threat hasn’t faded despite quieter headlines, stressing the parasite can cause severe injuries, secondary infections, and death. He urged USDA to accelerate eradication, including expanded sterile fly production, enhanced surveillance, rapid detection, and more tools, while Texans inspect animals and report suspicious wounds.