By: NATHAN STUEDLE
Federal and Texas animal health officials are responding after the first U.S. detection of New World screwworm in decades was confirmed in a calf in South Texas. The USDA says larvae were discovered in the umbilical area of a three-week-old calf. New World screwworm is a highly destructive pest that lays eggs in wounds of warm-blooded animals. After hatching, the larvae feed on living tissue, causing severe injuries, animal health concerns, and significant economic losses for livestock producers. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, along with Texas animal health authorities, has activated emergency response measures.