New World Screwworm Cases Rise But Oklahoma Remains Free

New World Screwworm Cases Rise But Oklahoma Remains Free Of Parasite

The number of confirmed New World screwworm cases in the southern United States continues to climb, but Oklahoma agricultural officials say the state remains free of the destructive livestock parasite for now.

According to the latest update from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), six confirmed cases have now been identified in the United States—five in Texas and one in New Mexico. The findings have prompted an aggressive federal response as officials work to stop the flesh-eating pest from spreading farther north.

While there are currently zero confirmed New World screwworm cases in Oklahoma, state agricultural leaders remain on high alert because of the parasite's potential impact on the cattle industry and other warm-blooded animals.

Federal officials are urging producers to closely monitor livestock for unusual wounds or signs of infestation while containment efforts continue.

New World Screwworm Cases Confirmed In Texas And New Mexico

The latest New World screwworm cases are concentrated near the southern border.

According to the USDA, Texas has now confirmed five cases involving four cattle and one goat. The infected animals were identified in Zavala County, La Salle County, and Gillespie County.

New Mexico has reported one confirmed case involving a dog in Lea County.

Despite the increasing number of detections, Oklahoma has not reported any confirmed cases. State and federal officials continue to monitor animal movement and encourage livestock owners to remain vigilant.

The New World screwworm is not a typical fly. Adult flies lay eggs in open wounds, and once the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the living flesh of warm-blooded animals, causing severe tissue damage that can become fatal if left untreated.

The latest surveillance and response updates are available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

New World Screwworm Response Includes $1.3 Billion Investment

The federal government has significantly expanded its efforts to stop the spread of New World screwworm cases before the parasite can establish itself across the southern United States.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins recently announced that the administration has invested approximately $1.3 billion since January 2025 to combat the outbreak.

A major part of that strategy involves dramatically increasing the production and aerial dispersal of sterile screwworm flies. The technique works by releasing sterile male flies into affected regions, preventing the insects from successfully reproducing and gradually collapsing local populations.

The sterile fly program has been successfully used in the past to eliminate the parasite from the United States and remains one of the primary tools federal officials are using to contain the current outbreak.

More information about Oklahoma's livestock protection efforts can be found through the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.

New World Screwworm Cases Remain Major Concern For Livestock Producers

Even though Oklahoma remains free of the parasite, the rise in New World screwworm cases is being closely watched by ranchers and veterinarians across the state.

The parasite poses a serious threat to the cattle industry because it attacks living tissue rather than dead or decaying matter. Female flies can deposit eggs in even minor wounds, including tick bites, branding sites, or the healing navels of newborn calves.

Once the larvae emerge, they burrow into the flesh and continue feeding, creating severe infections that can quickly become life-threatening.

Federal and state officials continue to stress that the commercial food supply remains safe. Animals showing signs of infestation are prevented from entering the food chain, and contaminated meat is not allowed into commercial processing facilities.

Livestock owners are encouraged to promptly report suspicious wounds or possible infestations to animal health officials as the monitoring effort continues.

Additional information about livestock disease monitoring and animal health programs is available through the American Veterinary Medical Association Animal Health Resources.

While the number of New World screwworm cases continues to grow in neighboring states, Oklahoma remains free of the parasite, with state and federal officials working together to keep one of agriculture's most destructive pests from crossing the border.

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