What you need to know about the flesh-eating New World screwworm

By: Kevin Hardy

Outlets: Stateline

Published: June 11, 2026

Words: 1,023

Last Updated: 11 hours, 8 minutes ago

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The New World screwworm has arrived in the United States.

For years, ranchers across Southern states have prepared for a potential invasion of the flesh-eating parasite that can wreak havoc on livestock, pets and even humans.

Though the United States went decades without a confirmed case of the invasive pest, it’s now made its way across the U.S.-Mexico border. Officials have confirmed one case in a New Mexico dog and five cases in Texas, …

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