Texas reports first equine infection of New World screwworm on ranch horse
The flesh-eating parasite had been largely eradicated, but now authorities are racing to contain an outbreak
TL;DR
- A horse in Presidio county, Texas, has been diagnosed with the New World screwworm, the first equine infection in the US.
- Health authorities are implementing containment measures, including restricting animal movement in infested areas.
- The screwworm, a fly larva, infests open wounds and can cause severe injury or death in animals.
- The parasite was previously eradicated but resurfaced in June in Zavala county, Texas, and has since spread.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster proclamation to mobilize resources against the rising screwworm presence.
- A sterile fly dispersal facility has been launched to help curb the screwworm population.