USDA has confirmed the first New World screwworm infection in a U.S. horse, marking another troubling development in the parasite's return to the United States. The case involves a working ranch horse in Presidio County, Texas, near the Mexican border. The infestation was found in a wound on the horse's hind limb. Texas officials have restricted movement of susceptible warm-blooded animals within an infested zone covering portions of Presidio and Jeff Davis counties. New World screwworm larvae feed on the living tissue of animals and can cause serious injury or death. The parasite was eradicated from the United States decades ago but returned this summer, when USDA confirmed cases in Texas cattle. A widespread outbreak could have enormous consequences for cattle producers through animal losses, treatment costs and livestock-movement restrictions. USDA continues surveillance, trapping and sterile-fly releases as part of its eradication effort.
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