LA PRYOR, Texas (RFD NEWS) — Federal and state animal health officials are intensifying efforts to contain New World screwworm after another case was confirmed in Texas, bringing the total number of U.S. cases to seven.
The latest detection, confirmed in Edwards County, involves a cow and marks another development in the ongoing response to the parasite’s return to the United States after more than 50 years.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins traveled to South Texas on Thursday to visit the ranch where the first U.S. case of New World screwworm was confirmed last week, offering an encouraging update as federal officials continue their response to the pest’s reemergence.
Rollins shared video from the visit on social media, showing her touring the ranch near La Pryor and meeting with the producer whose calf became the first confirmed U.S. case.
The visit provided a firsthand look at the animal that helped trigger heightened surveillance and response efforts across Texas and neighboring states.
Here in La Pryor, Texas at Rock Creek Ranch.
— Secretary Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins) June 11, 2026
Joined by new Senior Advisor for New World Screwworm Preparedness John Bellinger and Southern Texas rancher Robbie, who spotted the first case and notified authorities immediately.
Robbie and his family at Rock Creek Ranch are the… pic.twitter.com/FxgNCyVBZ1
According to Rollins, the infected calf has responded well to treatment and has now returned to full health.
The update comes as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) ramps up efforts to contain the spread of New World screwworm following multiple detections in Texas. Federal and state animal health officials have emphasized that animals can recover from screwworm infestations if cases are identified and treated quickly.
The department has been deploying sterile flies, expanding surveillance efforts, and coordinating with producers, veterinarians, and state agencies as part of its containment strategy.
Rollins has repeatedly said the administration has been preparing for the pest’s return for more than a year, including efforts to expand sterile fly production capacity and accelerate construction of a new sterile fly facility in South Texas.
USDA Expands Response Effort & Funding Through Existing Resources
The issue was front and center this week during a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing, where Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins assured lawmakers that USDA will prioritize any state where new infestations emerge.
When pressed by lawmakers on whether states experiencing outbreaks would receive immediate federal attention, Rollins offered a clear commitment.
“Absolutely,” Rollins said. “The president has been very clear. This is a nonpartisan issue. We’ve got to protect our livestock industry.”
Rollins noted that USDA’s predictive models had suggested New World screwworm could have reached Texas and New Mexico as early as last summer. She said those forecasts allowed the department additional time to prepare by expanding personnel, building new facilities, and strengthening response plans.
The secretary told lawmakers that USDA is helping to fund its screwworm response using resources from terminated food assistance programs. She also emphasized that the U.S. beef supply remains safe for consumers despite the growing number of cases.
The recent detections have remained concentrated in Texas, but neighboring states are closely monitoring the situation.
Sen. Marshall Talks Screwworm and USMCA
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the federal response, emerging containment strategies, and the broader implications for cattle producers and international trade.
In his interview with RFD News, Marshall discussed the USDA’s ongoing sterile fly release program, which remains the primary tool for suppressing and ultimately eradicating New World screwworm populations.
He also addressed the need for continued innovation and coordination among federal agencies, researchers, and industry stakeholders as officials work to prevent the pest from spreading beyond affected areas.
The senator weighed in on recent restrictions on livestock movement implemented by Canada and several U.S. states following confirmed detections in Texas. He discussed the importance of protecting animal health while balancing the need to keep cattle markets and supply chains functioning efficiently.
Marshall also addressed USDA’s “Grand Challenge” initiative, which generated more than 200 private-sector proposals aimed at stopping the spread of New World screwworm. He shared his perspective on the value of leveraging new technologies, research advancements, and industry expertise as officials evaluate potential solutions.
In addition to animal health concerns, Marshall discussed the upcoming formal review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). He noted the importance of export markets for American agriculture and outlined his outlook for the future of North American trade as policymakers prepare for negotiations surrounding the trade pact.
Oklahoma Monitoring Livestock Movement
Oklahoma State Veterinarian Dr. Rod Hall says livestock movement from Texas and New Mexico continues under normal protocols unless animals originate from specific infested zones.
Hall explained that screwworm infestations begin quickly after flies deposit eggs.
“Those eggs will hatch in about a day, and then as soon as they hatch, the larvae start burrowing into the living tissue and causing the infestation,” Hall said.
He urged producers to contact their veterinarian immediately if they observe anything unusual in their animals.
Industry Calls for More Sterile Flies
Agricultural groups continue to emphasize that sterile fly releases remain the most effective tool for eliminating New World screwworm.
American Farm Bureau Federation economist Bernt Nelson says increasing sterile fly production remains a top priority.
“I think the biggest need right here is for more flies,” Nelson said. “Sterile fly technique is the best weapon we have against them.”
Nelson also encouraged producers to strengthen on-farm biosecurity measures, regularly inspect livestock, and maintain close relationships with veterinarians.
USDA recently broke ground on a new sterile fly production facility in South Texas that is expected to come online sometime next year. Officials hope the facility will significantly increase production capacity needed for long-term eradication efforts.
Pork Industry Also Preparing Producers
While much of the attention has focused on cattle, pork producers are also being encouraged to stay vigilant.
Dr. Lisa Becton with the swine industry says producer education efforts have been underway since New World screwworm first began advancing through Mexico in 2024.
“We have resources available, such as webinars and fact sheets, that outline what this parasite is, what it looks like, where it’s at, and what producers should do if they suspect a case,” Becton said.
She says the goal is to ensure pork producers understand the risks and can assist with early detection and reporting efforts.
Experts Say Adult Flies Are Rarely Seen
Texas A&M livestock experts say many producers may never actually see an adult screwworm fly.
Entomologist Dr. David Kauffman explained that the pest often spreads through the movement of infested animals rather than long-distance flight.
“This fly moves because people put animals in vehicles and drive them to distant places,” Kauffman said. “The fly itself does not move very great distances.”
Kauffman noted that ranchers are much more likely to encounter screwworm larvae in wounds than to observe adult flies in the field.
He believes eradication remains achievable but says success will depend on dramatically increasing sterile fly production.
According to Kauffman, the United States will likely need the capacity to produce roughly 500 million sterile flies per week before officials can fully push New World screwworm back out of the country.
For now, animal health officials continue urging producers to closely monitor livestock, report suspicious wounds immediately, and work with veterinarians as the response effort expands across the region.
