First U.S. Horse Screwworm Case Confirmed in Texas

The first U.S. equine case of New World screwworm this century was confirmed in a working ranch horse in Presidio County, Texas, where larvae were found in a hind-leg wound. The flesh-eating fly larvae infest open wounds and can cause severe tissue damage, secondary infections, and death if untreated; previous U.S. outbreaks were eradicated in the 1960s. Texas authorities have restricted the movement of warm-blooded animals from affected areas as cases spread among livestock and pets, raising concerns about economic losses for ranchers. Horse owners are urged to inspect animals daily, keep wounds clean and covered, use veterinarian-approved fly control, and immediately report suspected infestations to a veterinarian and animal-health officials. Officials are also using or preparing sterile-fly releases and other biosecurity measures to slow transmission.