WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins says the USDA’s fight against New World screwworm is showing encouraging signs, with new cases slowing significantly as officials continue an aggressive surveillance and response effort.
As of July 1, USDA reported 11 new confirmed cases, down from 31 cases in June.
Since the outbreak began, officials have confirmed 42 total cases, with all but one occurring in Texas. USDA says there are currently nine active cases, and every animal that has contracted New World screwworm has recovered.
🇺🇸 USDA, alongside our state and local partners, continues to make strong progress in responding to the New World screwworm.
— Secretary Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins) July 27, 2026
Since July 1:
📉 Just 11 new confirmed cases have been reported, down from 31 in June.
🐄 Only 42 total confirmed cases have been identified since the… pic.twitter.com/OoDk9avwDE
To monitor the outbreak, USDA has expanded surveillance across Texas. Since July 4, officials have conducted nearly 47,000 animal observations using a combination of direct field inspections, trail cameras and more than 1,000 drone flights.
The department says the coordinated effort of federal, state and local partners is helping contain the pest while protecting the nation’s livestock.
USDA says it will continue aggressive surveillance and rapid-response efforts as officials work to prevent further spread of New World screwworm and safeguard U.S. cattle and other animals.
