On Jun. 9, 2026, The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), alongside State partners in Texas and New Mexico, announeced they are responding to New World screwworm (NWS) in the United States. 

USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed a new case of NWS in a calf in La Salle County, Texas, bringing the total cases of NWS in the United States to six. USDA is working closely with the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) to respond and further investigate the case. The joint federal–state field teams have already expanded surveillance and response measures in the area. 

New World screwworm is a parasitic fly that causes severe, potentially fatal infestations by feeding on the living tissue of warmblooded animals. Quick detection, treatment, and reporting are vital to safeguarding livestock, wildlife, and pets. Anyone who suspects a screwworm infestation should immediately contact their veterinarian, state animal health official, or USDA. Early reporting is essential to ensure animals receive prompt treatment, so they fully recover.