New World Screwworm Detected in Texas, Threatening Already-Strained US Cattle Supply

Executive Briefing

• Confirms first US screwworm larvae found in 60 years, identified in a Texas calf near the Mexican border with four more animals infected.
• Warns the outbreak compounds existing pressure on the US cattle herd, which is already at its smallest size since 1951 due to drought.
• Notes the only facility capable of mass-producing sterile flies—the key eradication tool—is in Panama and produces just 100 million per week.
• Highlights political infighting among DOGE, the Biden and Trump administrations, and Texas officials over blame and response coordination.
• Signals rancher investment uncertainty deepens as tariff policy shifts on beef imports clash with efforts to control grocery prices.