A threat to livestock has re-emerged in South Texas and has prompted a significant response from state officials and food safety authorities in the Trump administration.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture flagged a potential South Texas case of New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that is considered a real threat to livestock.
‘These eggs hatch into dangerous parasitic larvae, or maggots, which burrow or “screw” into flesh with sharp mouth hooks.’
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The USDA confirmed that a sample has been taken to the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, lowa, for “confirmatory testing.”
The agency confirmed that it is monitoring the situation on the ground in coordination with local partners.
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