Flesh-Eating Parasite 'New World Screwworm' Confirmed in Texas Calf After Years

Texas. After a long time in America, a dangerous parasite 'New World Screwworm' has once again been confirmed. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has stated that this parasite was found in a three-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas. This dangerous worm has been found in America for the first time since 2017. Its larvae are considered extremely fatal as they enter the bodies of live animals and eat flesh. There is a risk of significant damage and economic loss to livestock. What is Screwworm? According to the USDA, this is a type of fly whose larvae enter wounds or soft parts of the body and destroy flesh from within. The larvae have now been found in the navel of the infected calf. This parasite was completely eradicated from America in 1966. But later in 2017, a small outbreak was seen in the Florida Keys area, which was immediately controlled. Currently, it is found naturally in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and some South American countries. To prevent this infection from spreading further, the US Department of Agriculture and Texas state officials have initiated emergency measures. An area of about 20 kilometers around the infected area has been placed under strict surveillance. Quarantine, control of animal movement, and further testing have also been intensified. USDA official Dudley Hoskins has described this issue as a serious matter related to national food security and the livestock industry. He claimed that America has been successful in controlling this parasite before and will eradicate it in the same way this time. Earlier in December, the FDA had conditionally approved the drug 'Exeltis Cattle-CA1', which helps prevent and treat screwworm infection in animals. This drug is produced by Merck Animal Health. Texas Senator Ted Cruz has called this infection a serious warning and stated that federal and state governments are taking immediate action. He said that protecting Texas's livestock industry is extremely important as it is a major basis of the country's food supply.