Mexico screwworm fly found 25 miles from US border

A parasitic fly known as the New World screwworm has been detected in Mexico approximately 25 miles from the United States border, marking its closest approach to U.S. soil since monitoring intensified last year. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed the finding on Tuesday, stating there is no doubt that this is a very, very serious threat to our livestock.

The detection occurred in a five-year-old goat in the Mexican state of Coahuila, which borders southwestern Texas. Federal data indicates U.S. officials are currently tracking 32 cases of the parasitic fly within that state, with 19 cases remaining active. The overall outbreak in Mexico is significantly larger, with at least 26,216 cases identified nationwide and more than 2,700 still active.

The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly that targets warm-blooded animals, including livestock, wildlife, pets, and humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the fly lays its eggs in open wounds or natural body openings. The resulting larvae feed on the host's living tissue, which can lead to severe injury or death if untreated. Historically found in South America and the Caribbean, the...