Texas reports first equine infection of New World screwworm on ranch horse

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Published: 2026-09-11T02:15:03.014Z • Permanent link

A horse in southern Texas has been confirmed to be infected with the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that had been largely eradicated in the United States. The parasite, which is native to Central and South America, can cause severe damage to equine tissue and has been a significant concern for ranchers and veterinarians in the region. According to data from the US Department of Agriculture, the New World screwworm was first detected in the United States in 1988, and efforts to eradicate it were largely successful. However, the recent detection in southern Texas suggests that the parasite may be re-emerging.

Ranchers and veterinarians in the affected area are on high alert, and efforts are underway to contain the outbreak. Dr. Karen Houlahan, a veterinarian at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, said that the parasite can be difficult to diagnose and treat. "We're working closely with ranchers and veterinarians to monitor the situation and take steps to prevent the spread of the parasite," she said. The Texas Department of Agriculture has also issued a statement urging ranchers to take precautions to prevent the spread of the parasite.

Efforts to contain the outbreak are being led by the Texas Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the US Department of Agriculture and the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. The agency has established a task force to monitor the situation and take steps to prevent the spread of the parasite. The task force includes representatives from the Texas Department of Agriculture, the US Department of Agriculture, and the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine.

The recent detection of the New World screwworm in southern Texas has significant implications for the data sources domain. The parasite can have a major impact on the livestock industry, particularly in regions where it is endemic. Ranchers and veterinarians in the affected area are concerned about the potential spread of the parasite and the economic impact it could have on their operations. The parasite can also have significant implications for the research community, particularly in the fields of veterinary medicine and parasitology.

The detection of the New World screwworm also raises questions about the effectiveness of current control measures. Researchers have been studying the parasite for decades, and efforts to eradicate it were largely successful in the past. However, the recent detection suggests that the parasite may be re-emerging, and it is unclear what steps can be taken to prevent its spread. The US Department of Agriculture has announced plans to increase funding for research on the parasite, in an effort to better understand its behavior and develop more effective control measures.

The recent detection of the New World screwworm in southern Texas is part of a larger pattern of disease outbreaks in the region. In recent years, there have been several outbreaks of diseases such as brucellosis and anaplasmosis, which have had significant impacts on the livestock industry. The parasite is also part of a larger pattern of disease spread in the region, which is influenced by factors such as climate change and human activity. Historically, the New World screwworm has been a significant concern for ranchers and veterinarians in the region, and efforts to control it have been ongoing for decades.