Screwworm cases in cattle near Texas border

[flowershop]

I wanted to discuss this screwworm threat to livestock, particularly cattle. Screwworm is a flesh-eating fly that makes its way into wounds on animals. I have been following this news story for several months as many cases were reported in Central America. Last July, the US stopped cattle, horse and bison imports from Mexico as a precaution in order to protect US livestock.

Now I am reading that this insect has made its way to Tamaulipas which is a Mexican state that borders Texas.

The main way to fight the spread is by releasing sterile male screwworm flies which mate with the wild female who then produces infertile eggs.

'High alert': Risk of screwworm landfall in US heightens as cases near Texas' border rise to 11

The pest poses a major threat to the nation's over $600 billion livestock industry if it crosses over the border, officials said.

www.king5.com

 

[SunSun]

The new world screwworm can infest any warm-blooded animal, which includes people, wildlife and domestic animals. Wounds as small as a tick bite can allow for infestation. Animals may die from secondary infection or toxicity in 7-14 days if not treated.

More info:

USDA - Current Staus

Fact Sheet

 

[MelmothTheLost]

I'm aware of this threat and the work being done to halt their migration northwards. There's a very good Kurzgesagt short documentary about it on YouTube: