NW screwworm found in horse in south Texas

The New World screwworm has surfaced again in South Texas.  Federal agriculture officials confirmed the first case of the flesh-eating screwworm in a horse in Presidio County, near the Mexican border on Wednesday.  As of Sept. 9, this case was one of only two active cases in the country – the other involves a dog in Crockett County detected Aug. 31.

The Texas Animal Health Commission immediately banned the movement of warm-blooded animals out of a designated “infested” zone surrounding Presidio and Jeff Davis counties in hopes of containing the outbreak and protecting the multibillion-dollar livestock industry.  Officials estimate a widespread outbreak could cost the Texas economy up to $1.8 billion.

The U.S. Equestrian Federation reported the parasite was found in the hind limb of a working ranch horse and urged all horse owners to take action.  “We encourage every horse owner to help protect their horses and the broader equine community by practicing good wound care, fly control and biosecurity,” the organization said in a statement.

Officials say sterile screwworm flies are still being released in affected regions to help disrupt the breeding cycle and slow the parasite’s spread.  While new lures and traps are still in development, officials continue to study the best ways to protect Texas livestock and maintain the health of the cattle industry.