LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — Florida has placed new import restrictions on warm-blooded animals coming from six South Texas counties because of the growing New World screwworm threat near the U.S.-Mexico border. The move adds another layer of pressure as livestock producers already deal with tighter cattle movement and broader biosecurity concerns.
The emergency rule applies to animals originating from Brooks, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Starr, Webb, and Zapata counties. Florida said the counties fall within 125 miles of recent New World screwworm detections in Mexico, triggering extra import requirements.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said Florida’s action is understandable and reflects how serious the threat has become. He said the extended halt in cattle movement from Mexico is already straining supply chains, cutting into Texas meatpacking capacity, and pushing prices higher for consumers.
Florida officials said New World screwworm can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, and in rare cases people, usually through open wounds. If untreated, the larvae can cause severe damage and may be fatal.
Miller said USDA’s sterile-fly work is important, but more suppression tools will be needed in the near term. For now, producers in South Texas face another reminder that the screwworm threat is no longer just a border issue.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Florida’s import rule shows New World screwworm concerns are already affecting livestock movement and market conditions.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
At CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses profitability, consumer demand, and how the integrated U.S.–Canada beef supply chain impacts cattle producers across North America.
February 06, 2026 04:59 PM
·
Top issues facing the beef industry took center stage at CattleCon this year in Nashville.
February 06, 2026 04:58 PM
Texas cowboy chef and host of RFD Network’s Twisted Skillet, Sean Koehler, shares an elote-style street corn dip just in time for Super Bowl Sunday. This skillet-cooked corn dish combines open-fire cooking and bold regional flavors for a delicious twist on Mexican Street Corn.
February 06, 2026 04:50 PM
·
Predator pressure and public lands policy were front and center at CattleCon.
February 06, 2026 04:29 PM
San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo Association’s Trenton Priddy preview this year’s event, which is now streaming on RFD+
February 06, 2026 03:55 PM
·
Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX), who sits on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, spoke exclusively with RFD NEWS about what Congress is doing to address screwworm concerns, including funding for a sterile fly production facility in Mexico.
February 06, 2026 12:07 PM
·
