The United States has confirmed its first case of New World screwworm in a horse, with the infection detected in Presidio County, Texas, near the Mexican border.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed the case after state animal-health authorities identified the parasite in a horse in the southern Texas county. The development comes as officials continue monitoring the spread of screwworm among livestock in the region.
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The Texas Animal Health Commission has responded by restricting the movement of warm-blooded animals out of a designated infected area covering parts of Presidio and neighbouring Jeff Davis counties. The restrictions are intended to reduce the risk of the parasite spreading to other animals.
New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae can develop in wounds and feed on living tissue. The infestation can cause serious injuries in affected animals and, if not treated, can be fatal.
The parasite was previously eradicated from the United States in the 1960s after causing significant losses among livestock. Its recent return has raised concerns among animal-health officials and farmers, particularly because of the potential economic consequences of a wider outbreak.
The origin of the infected horse has not been established publicly. Reuters reported that authorities have previously expressed concerns about animals moved illegally across borders potentially contributing to the spread of screwworm.
The U.S. Equestrian Federation said the infestation was found in the hind limb of a working ranch horse and urged horse owners to regularly inspect animals, maintain proper wound care, control flies and follow appropriate biosecurity measures.
The discovery adds to growing concerns about the parasite's presence in the United States and the potential impact on the country's livestock and equine industries. Officials are continuing to monitor affected areas and take measures aimed at limiting further transmission.
For horse owners and livestock producers in the region, authorities are encouraging vigilance and prompt reporting of suspected cases as efforts continue to contain the outbreak.