The New World screwworm, a deadly flesh-eating parasite, has spread to a second US state, with the total number of confirmed cases rising to five. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed the first case in New Mexico, discovered in a dog living in Lea County, near the Texas border. Four cases had already been identified in Texas over the past week.
What is the New World screwworm?
The New World screwworm is one of the world's most feared parasites. Female flies lay hundreds of eggs in open wounds or body openings of animals, and in rare cases humans. The larvae hatch within hours and begin feeding on living flesh. Left untreated, infestations can create deep, agonising wounds, trigger serious infections and ultimately prove fatal.
Response and containment efforts
The USDA stated: "This situation is evolving, and we expect new information to emerge as our investigation continues." It added: "We are working closely with our partners in New Mexico, Texas and across the region to ensure we identify, contain and respond to any potential cases as swiftly as possible."
Local officials have urged President Donald Trump to declare a national emergency, arguing that frontline communities urgently need extra funding, personnel and resources to stop the parasite establishing itself in the US.
Spread and historical context
The first US case was detected last week in a three-week-old calf in Texas, with another young calf found infected just miles away only a day later. Since then, three Texas counties—Kinney, Jim Hogg and Uvalde—have declared local states of disaster over the threat, while similar emergency declarations are pending in Webb, La Salle and Val Verde counties. The outbreak follows cases detected in southern Mexico last year, where infestations were confirmed in the states of Chiapas, Oaxaca and Veracruz.
Future risks and expert warnings
Scientists have warned the insects could become an increasing threat as temperatures rise, with research suggesting Gulf Coast states including Texas, Florida and Louisiana could be vulnerable to widespread infestations by 2055.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said: "The protection of our ranchers, livestock producers, deer breeders and the Texas economy from this pest is a top priority. We have eradicated this pest before, and we will do it again in close cooperation with our federal partners. Texans should stay alert, check animals daily for wounds and report any suspected cases immediately."
