• Samples from two calves in La Pryor, Texas, have been sent to a federal lab for confirmation of New World screwworm. No case has been confirmed yet, and the USDA says the nearest confirmed case is in Mexico's Coahuila state, 25 miles south of the border.
  • The Texas Animal Health Commission reports no detection of screwworm in Texas, but field personnel have been deployed and partners engaged as a precaution.
  • The situation underscores the potential for disruption to Texas cattle markets and cross-border livestock trade, though no official outbreak has been declared.

Testing Underway in South Texas

Samples from two calves on a ranch in La Pryor, Texas, are being tested for New World screwworm after a suspected case was reported, according to Texas Representative Don McLaughlin. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) sent the samples to a federal lab in Iowa for confirmation, with field personnel deployed and local partners engaged. As of now, no confirmation has been announced publicly.

Earlier reports of a confirmed case near the border were corrected by the USDA, which clarified that the nearest confirmed case was found in Mexico's Coahuila state, about 25 miles south of Texas. The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) stated that no New World screwworm has been detected in Texas.

Market and Border Implications

The Texas cattle industry remains sensitive to screwworm developments due to the potential for trade restrictions and cattle movement controls. Historical precedents show that confirmed incursions can trigger restrictions on imports from affected regions and heightened border inspections. The USDA and TAHC are coordinating with Mexican authorities as part of ongoing cross-border eradication efforts, including sterile-insect release strategies.

“While there is no confirmed case, we are taking this very seriously and working closely with federal and state partners to ensure rapid response if needed,” a TAHC spokesperson said. “Producers should remain vigilant and report any suspicious wounds in livestock.”

Political and Industry Reaction

Texas lawmakers have been monitoring the situation closely, with some expressing concern over the economic impact on the state's cattle sector, which is the largest in the U.S. The USDA has not imposed any movement restrictions yet, but industry groups are urging caution. “We’re in a wait-and-see mode,” said a rancher in the region. “If it’s confirmed, it could be a real problem for cross-border trade.”

Efforts to reach the USDA for comment on the timeline for lab results were not immediately successful.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that a confirmed case had been found in Texas. The nearest confirmed case remains in Mexico's Coahuila state.