The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed three additional cases of the New World screwworm, *Cochliomyia hominivorax*, within the United States, raising significant concerns about the pest’s resurgence and potential spread. These new findings underscore the ongoing threat this parasitic fly poses to livestock, particularly cattle, and its capacity to disrupt agricultural economies. The situation appears to be escalating, with reports indicating cases in both New Mexico and Texas, areas with substantial cattle populations, suggesting the outbreak is more widespread and potentially out of control than initially acknowledged.
The spread of the screwworm is a deeply worrying development, especially considering the potential mortality rate for untreated infected cattle, which approaches 100%.… Continue reading
Two additional New World screwworm infections have been confirmed in Texas, one in a calf and another in a dog located hundreds of miles apart. These findings underscore the challenges in controlling a pest that poses a significant threat to the nation’s cattle industry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is actively working to eradicate the screwworm by increasing sterile male fly production and constructing a new fly factory in Texas. This initiative aims to prevent a recurrence of the devastation the pest caused prior to its elimination in the U.S. in the 1960s.
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The confirmation of a second case of New World screwworm in Texas is understandably causing a stir, especially with fears of a broader outbreak growing. It’s a situation that brings to mind past struggles with this persistent pest and highlights how quickly progress can be undone when preventative measures are scaled back. The very idea of these flesh-eating larvae infesting livestock and potentially even humans is deeply unsettling, and it’s understandable that many are feeling a sense of alarm.
This re-emergence is particularly concerning because it seems to follow a pattern of dismantling scientific programs that were previously effective in controlling such threats.… Continue reading
It’s concerning to hear about a suspected screwworm case cropping up in southern Texas. This is a problem that carries significant implications, especially for our agricultural sector. Screwworms, as a parasite, are incredibly destructive, feeding on living animal tissue and causing immense suffering and economic damage.
For a considerable time, the United States has maintained a vigilant stance, keeping its border with Mexico closed to cattle imports for over a year. This stringent measure was put in place as a proactive defense against the destructive parasite making its way into U.S. border states. The U.S. has also invested considerable resources, running into millions of dollars, aimed at impeding its spread through Mexico.… Continue reading
One hundred elite dairy goats from Saint Petersburg have been shipped to North Korea via Khasan, Russia, as part of an ongoing exchange of livestock between the two countries. This shipment follows previous deliveries of horses and cows, totaling over 2,200 animals since November 2022. The animals are believed to aid in alleviating North Korea’s food shortages, potentially as compensation for North Korean troop deployment to Russia. These livestock transfers, alongside other animal gifts, symbolize the strengthening relationship between the Russian and North Korean regimes.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker