What to Know About the Screwworm Threat to US Livestock

Summary

Bloomberg reporters discuss the screwworm outbreak in Texas livestock after the first US detection on June 3. The USDA is ramping up sterile fly production to combat the parasite, but meaningful results are over a year away. Ranchers face labor-intensive inspections and supply chain uncertainty. The economic impact on the beef industry and livestock markets remains unclear.

• Screwworm cases detected in Texas cattle, goats, sheep, and a dog, with 19 total cases reported.
• The US-Mexico cattle border has been closed for over a year in response.
• USDA is expanding sterile fly production at a Texas facility, targeting 100 million flies per week by November 2027.
• Other mitigation methods under consideration include detection dogs, thermal drones, and smartphone larva screening.
• Ranchers are struggling with increased hands-on inspections amid labor shortages.
• The spread trajectory is uncertain, and officials are preemptively discussing potential expansion into New Mexico.
• The beef industry faces prolonged containment efforts, but direct market or price implications are not specified.