The U.S. Eradicated this flesh

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-15T12:43:22.509Z • Permanent link

The New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that has been eradicated from the United States, has made a shocking return to American soil. The parasite, which was once a major threat to livestock, wildlife, and pets, had been eradicated in 2017 through a concerted effort by the US Department of Agriculture and other agencies. However, officials have since detected the parasite in multiple states, sparking widespread concern.

The parasite, which is found in the larvae of certain flies, was first detected in the US in 2012 in Florida. Since then, it has spread to multiple states, including Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. The parasite is particularly problematic because it can infest the flesh of mammals, including livestock and pets, and can cause severe and potentially life-threatening infections.

The US Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has launched a comprehensive tracking system to monitor the spread of the parasite and predict where it is likely to strike next. The system, which uses advanced data analytics and machine learning algorithms, is being developed by a team of researchers at the University of California, San Diego.

The return of the New World screwworm is a major concern for companies that specialize in animal health and control measures. For example, companies like Zoetis and Merck Animal Health, which produce products that are used to control the spread of parasites like the New World screwworm, are likely to see increased demand for their products in the coming months. Researchers at institutions like the University of Florida and Texas A&M University are also likely to see increased funding for their research into the parasite, as well as for the development of new control measures.

The return of the New World screwworm also has significant implications for the livestock industry, which is a major sector of the US economy. The parasite can cause significant economic losses for farmers and ranchers, who may need to implement costly control measures to prevent the spread of the parasite. As a result, policymakers and regulators are likely to take a closer look at the regulations and policies that govern the use of pesticides and other control measures in the livestock industry.

The return of the New World screwworm is part of a larger pattern of emerging threats to animal health and control measures. In recent years, there have been outbreaks of other parasites, such as the Africanized honey bee and the Asian longhorned beetle, which have caused significant economic losses and disruptions to animal health. These outbreaks have also highlighted the need for more effective and coordinated approaches to animal health and control measures, as well as for greater investment in research and development.