The United States may detect new cases of New World screwworm, posing a potential threat to cattle ranching.

Golden Ten Data, June 4 – The US Department of Agriculture stated that a possible case of New World screwworm has been detected in southern Texas, which could pose a new threat to US cattle herds. Currently, the size of US cattle herds is at its lowest level in 75 years. The agency noted that a sample is being sent to a laboratory in Iowa for confirmatory testing. If confirmed, this would be the first detection of screwworm within the US since 2016. In 2016, a case of deer infected with screwworm was reported in the Florida Keys, and this pest was completely eradicated in early 2017. If confirmed this time, it is likely to trigger restrictions on cattle movement, which in turn could affect the operations of meat processors.