New World Screwworm Detected In Nuevo Leon

Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World screw-worm fly, or screw-worm for short, is a species of parasitic fly that is well known for the way in which its larvae (maggots) eat the living tissue. (Shutterstock)

(Roma, TX) — A parasite that attacks cattle and other warm-blooded animals has been detected close to the U.S. border with Mexico. A case of New World screwworm has been reported in Sabinas Hidalgo, a Mexican town about 70 miles west of Roma.

The parasite is carried by flies and causes potentially deadly infections in livestock. Texas has not reported any cases of screwworm, but ranchers worry that it’s only a matter of time before it crosses the border.

Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar of Laredo says he has asked the USDA to increase cooperation with Mexican officials to help prevent the spread of the parasite.