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Texas Reports First New World Screwworm Case in Ranch Horse
Just the facts
The Texas Animal Health Commission restricted the movement of warm-blooded animals out of designated zones in Presidio and Jeff Davis counties to prevent the parasite's spread. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reported 49 total screwworm cases this year, with 48 in Texas and one in New Mexico. In response to the outbreak, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration in June, and federal officials launched a sterile fly release program to disrupt the parasite's reproductive cycle. Agricultural organizations advised livestock owners to inspect animals daily for open wounds and apply approved fly control measures.
Why this is news
Health authorities in Texas confirmed an infection of the New World screwworm in a ranch horse in Presidio County, marking the first recorded equine case of the parasite in the United States during the current outbreak. The flesh-eating fly larva had been largely eradicated in the U.S. decades ago.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.