A Dreaded ‘Flesh-Eating’ Parasite Just Reappeared in Texas for the First Time in Decades

After decades of ensuring that one of the most dangerous flesh-eating parasites was kept away from livestock in the country, NBC News reports that the vicious predator has returned and has now been detected in the state of Texas. A new case of screwworm was recently confirmed in a three-week-old calf in an area called La Prior, located near the U.S./Mexico border. This information was shared in a statement by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins last Wednesday.

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Why Is A Screwworm So Harmful?

Texans should understand that this particular parasite is the larval stage of a fly that feeds on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. For farmers and ranchers, this can be extremely detrimental. Although it is rare for the fly to infect humans and pets, there have been certain cases where this has occurred, according to experts.

What Will An Outbreak Mean?

Even though the parasite does not threaten food safety in the event of an outbreak, it could still significantly impact the livestock industry, potentially costing billions of dollars. This, in turn, could add to the already high cost of beef.

Is The Screwworm Contagious?

It is important to note that this parasite is not contagious and does not spread like a cold or other common illnesses. Instead, the female fly lays her eggs in open wounds or natural body openings. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the flesh and feed on living tissue. This can cause severe infections and, if left untreated, often leads to the death of livestock. Now more than ever, staying alert is crucial for livestock owners.