Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has issued a high-alert warning to producers following the detection of eight new New World screwworm (NWS) cases in Tamaulipas, Mexico, bringing the regional total to eleven since late December 2025. These cases, located near the Texas border, indicate established fly populations, prompting increased surveillance and sterile fly deployment.
Key Details on the Outbreak:
Location: The eight new cases were confirmed in the state of Tamaulipas, which borders Texas.
Total Cases: These cases bring the total to 11 confirmed cases in Tamaulipas since Dec. 30, 2025.
Risk Level: Commissioner Miller stated these cases suggest established populations of the pest in the region, posing a threat to the U.S. livestock industry.
Response: Sterile fly deployment has begun to control the outbreak and the border is closed for livestock imports.
Background: The New World screwworm is a parasitic flesh-eating fly larva that infests livestock, wildlife, and, in some cases, humans.
Texas producers are urged to increase monitoring of livestock for infestations, especially along the border region.
