UMVA has learned that a ferocious New World screwworm has been spotted just 30 miles from the U.S. border, threatening to unleash a nightmare for American cattle.
These parasitic maggots burrow into open wounds, draining blood and turning healthy animals into walking death traps in less than two weeks.
The latest alarm came from a six‑month‑old sheep in Coahuila, a stark reminder that the parasite is already thriving in Mexico’s borders.
Since the outbreak began, more than 171,000 animal cases have been recorded across Central America and Mexico, while nearly two thousand people have suffered infestations.
When the screwworm first struck Texas in 1976, it ravaged 1.4 million cattle, costing the state roughly $1.8 billion—a figure that would dwarf any single‑year loss today.
Human cases are rare, yet the first confirmed infestation last August sent ripples through veterinary circles, raising the stakes for border security.
Health officials urge anyone near livestock to seek immediate care if they notice maggots or unexplained, foul‑smelling wounds.
Border patrol has ramped up awareness campaigns, with officials stressing the importance of public vigilance to keep this invasive pest at bay.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the threat is not just theoretical; it is already a tangible danger poised to disrupt the U.S. food chain.
