Texas reports first equine infection of New World screwworm on ranch horse
Summary
A horse in southern Texas has become the first in the US to be infected with the New World screwworm, a parasite that eats the flesh of animals. Authorities are working to control the outbreak by advising horse owners on prevention and restricting animal movement in affected areas.Key Facts
- The first US equine infection of New World screwworm was found on a ranch horse in Presidio County, Texas.
- New World screwworm larvae infest open wounds and can cause serious injury or death.
- Horse owners are told to check animals daily for wounds, bad smells, or maggots and to keep wounds clean and covered.
- The Texas Animal Health Commission limits movement of warm-blooded animals in infected zones to stop spread.
- The screwworm was previously eradicated but reappeared in June on a calf near the US-Mexico border.
- Most US cases this year are in Texas, with one case in New Mexico on a dog.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster in June to provide resources for fighting the parasite.
- The Trump administration started a program using sterile screwworm flies to reduce the pest population.
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