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LUBBOCK — The emergence of the New World screwworm in the U.S. has created a wave of concern and speculation. After the first case was confirmed earlier this month, the number of instances has escalated to 26 as of Monday. With nearly 28,000 cases reported in Mexico since November 2024, the parasitic fly threatens both animal welfare in Texas and the state’s $41 billion cattle industry, potentially leading to a multibillion-dollar crisis if not eradicated swiftly.
State and federal officials are collaborating to halt the screwworm’s migration northward. Amid this urgent situation, misinformation has proliferated, raising questions ranging from the safety of beef in grocery stores to the origins of the infestation.
Understanding the Screwworm
One prevalent claim is that beef at the grocery store may be unsafe due to potential screwworm infection. This claim is false. The New World screwworm is primarily attracted to warm-blooded animals and living flesh, making it unlikely to burrow into packaged ground beef or steaks. According to Mindy Brashears, Under Secretary for Food Safety at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, robust safety processes are in place for food production. “We can detect anything that’s on the animal and it would be removed,” Brashears stated. “It’s not going to affect the meat or any of the products people would eat.”
Human Infestation Risks
Another claim suggests that humans can become infested with screwworms. This statement is true. While most infestations occur in mammals like cattle and pets, humans can also be affected, albeit rarely. Cases of human infestation typically arise after individuals visit tropical regions where the fly flourishes, such as South America, Cuba, Haiti, or the Dominican Republic. Injuries like scratches or surgical wounds can provide entry points for the screwworms. According to the CDC, there have been 2,175 reported cases in Central America and Mexico as of June 22.
Investigating the Outbreak
Another claim links budget cuts to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to the screwworm outbreak. The situation remains undetermined. While it is true that funds allocated for monitoring the screwworm in Central America were reduced, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has stated that the reduction in personnel did not affect the response to the infestation. There are currently over 120 full-time staff members dedicated to addressing the screwworm, compared to just 10 at the start of the last Trump administration.
Texas Democrats have sought clarification from Rollins on whether budget cuts contributed to the outbreak.
Origins of the Infestation
Another claim posits that the screwworm entered the U.S. due to illegal cattle movement or open borders. This assertion is false. Investigations have indicated that small wildlife and rodents may be responsible for the screwworm’s migration into the U.S. Rollins has attributed the issue to the previous administration’s border policies, but epidemiological studies have not established a link between the Texas cases and illicit cattle movement from Mexico.
Additionally, while the Trump administration lifted a temporary suspension on cattle imports from Mexico, experts emphasize that wildlife is also at risk from the screwworm. However, small mammals generally do not travel long distances.
Efforts to Control the Screwworm
Concerns have also arisen regarding the availability of sterile flies to combat the infestation. Experts suggest that approximately 500 million sterile flies are required weekly for effective eradication. The sterile fly facility being constructed in Edinburg, Texas, is expected to produce only 100 million flies per week upon completion in 2027. Additional facilities in Mexico and Panama are contributing to this effort, but they will not meet the necessary threshold. “We’re not going to be able to push it back south until we get 500 million sterile flies,” stated Dudley Hoskins, under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs for the USDA.
As the state navigates this crisis, continued vigilance and responsiveness will be essential to safeguard Texas’s cattle industry and ensure public health.
