Five New World screwworm cases have been confirmed in Texas as state and federal officials track the reemergence of the flesh-eating parasite.
Federal officials have confirmed five New World screwworm cases in Texas since June 3, including infections in calves and a goat. The latest cases were found in La Salle and Gillespie counties, following earlier detections in Zavala County that marked the pest's return to Texas.
Investigations are ongoing as officials monitor for additional cases; a previously reported Andrews County case was reclassified as New Mexico's first confirmed infection. Federal officials have confirmed a total of five cases of New World screwworm in Texas as of June 10, 2026. The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed June 9 that a calf in La Salle County tested positive for New World screwworm. Officials also confirmed a case involving a goat in Gillespie County on June 8.
The new detections come days after Texas officials announced the state's first confirmed cases of the flesh-eating parasite in Zavala County. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the first case was identified June 3 in a three-week-old calf with an umbilical lesion. A second Zavala County case involving a 30-day-old calf with a similar lesion was confirmed June 5. Officials initially reported an additional case involving a dog in Andrews County on June 8.
However, after further epidemiological investigation, authorities determined the animal lives in Lea County, New Mexico, and the case was reclassified as New Mexico's first confirmed New World screwworm infection. The veterinarian who submitted samples from the dog is based in Texas, officials said. Early reports indicated the dog had recently traveled to Mexico. State and federal officials said epidemiological investigations remain ongoing for recent detections.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said updates will be provided as additional cases are confirmed. The agency has established a public information page and said situation reports will be updated daily when new detections occur. Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday activated the Texas State Emergency Operations Center to support the state’s response to a reemergence of the New World screwworm, a destructive livestock pest the state previously eradicated decades ago.
The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, posing a significant threat to livestock, wildlife and, in rare cases, humans. The New World screwworm fly looks similar to other flies. It can be identified through its large orange eyes, yellow face, metallic blue body, and three stripes along its back.
Though the risk to the public remains low, people can sometimes get an NWS infestation if they visit areas where the fly is present, such as Mexico, Central America or parts of South America and the Caribbean. People who do the following in areas with NWS might be at greater risk for infestation:Keep open wounds clean and coveredWear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants to prevent scrapes and insect bitesTreat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin, which is an insecticide and repellant.
People who see or feel larvae in or on their wounds should immediately contact their healthcare provider. If you think you might have been exposed to
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