SOUTH TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — USDA officials confirmed late Wednesday evening that the first detected case of New World Screwworm in the United States had been identified.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins told reporters at a news briefing with Texas media that the bovine case was detected in Zavala County, Texas.
“There is no compromise to our food supply chain, and there will not be,” Rollins said.
When caught early, and treated, animals can recover and be safe to enter the food system later.
In a Wednesday afternoon tweet, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that samples were being tested at the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa.
According to USDA APHIS, the affected animal is a 3-week-old calf, and larvae were identified in its umbilical area. To date, there have been no further detections in the United States.
USDA has already activated personnel on the ground and is working with local partners.
“What you can expect from us is transparency, candor, and most importantly, action,” USDA writes.
For more USDA information about New World Screwworm, visit: www.screwworm.gov
A case of NWS may have been detected in South Texas. The sample is now at USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, lowa for confirmatory testing. We will provide updates the moment results are available.
— Dept. of Agriculture (@USDA) June 3, 2026
We have already activated personnel on the ground…
This is a developing story. Stay with RFD News for updates on Thursday’s Market Day Report.
