Texas warns of New World screwworm spread from Mexico, urging vigilance and prevention.

Texas officials are warning pet owners and ranchers about the threat of New World screwworm, a parasitic fly whose larvae can infest wounds in animals and, rarely, humans. With nearly 800 cases reported in Mexico near the U.S. border, authorities fear a potential spread that could harm livestock and the agricultural economy. No cases have been confirmed in Texas, but experts urge daily checks of animals, immediate vet care for wounds with maggots, and reporting suspected infestations. Texas A&M AgriLife is hosting a free bilingual workshop in Weslaco on February 28, 2026, and has released new fact sheets on prevention and detection. The American Farm Bureau is urging the USDA to keep southern U.S. borders closed to cattle imports until Mexico controls the outbreak, citing risks to American farming.