Flesh-Eating Screwworm Flies Near U.S. Border Raise Alarm In Texas

Federal and state officials are warning that New World screwworm flies have moved within 25 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, creating new concern for ranchers and livestock producers.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

Parasitic New World screwworm flies have moved within 25 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, prompting renewed concern in Texas over a pest that can infest warm-blooded animals and cause serious losses to livestock, wildlife and pets.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Tuesday that the flesh-eating flies are now closer to the United States than at any point since state and federal officials began tracking cases in November 2024.

“There is no doubt that this is a very, very serious threat to our livestock,” Rollins said.

The flies lay eggs in wounds or openings on warm-blooded animals. Once hatched, the larvae feed on living tissue, creating a risk to cattle, wildlife, pets and other animals. Their northward movement has raised alarms among ranchers and public officials in Texas, where agriculture remains a major part of the state’s economy.

Texans are urging the federal government to take stronger action to stop the insects from spreading farther north, The Texas Tribune reported.

State leaders have already taken emergency steps, even though the flies have not been detected in Texas. In January, Gov. Greg Abbott declared a statewide disaster as a preventive measure aimed at stopping the spread of the New World screwworm.

Local officials have also begun acting. Jim Hogg County declared an emergency Monday as concern grew along the border region.

The latest reports have intensified fears that the pest could threaten livestock producers if it crosses into the United States. Officials say the flies’ proximity to the border makes containment and surveillance increasingly urgent.

For ranchers, the threat is both biological and economic. An outbreak could place animals at risk, disrupt livestock operations and create new costs for monitoring, treatment and control.

The federal and state response is expected to remain focused on preventing the New World screwworm from entering Texas, where officials say early action is critical to avoiding wider damage.