By Jamie Martin
The battle against New World screwworm continues as USDA officials maintain aggressive control measures in affected areas of Texas and New Mexico.
According to the latest update issued June 23, 2026, there are currently 13 active infestations spread across seven Texas counties. Three additional cases have been designated inactive, including one in New Mexico.
To prevent the parasite from spreading, USDA has implemented quarantines, movement controls, and intensified monitoring around active outbreak locations. These restrictions apply only within designated infested zones and do not interfere with livestock transportation in unaffected regions.
A major component of the response effort involves releasing sterile flies over active and surrounding areas. This technique reduces reproduction rates within the screwworm population and has been successfully used in past eradication campaigns.
USDA is also investing in new technologies and research to strengthen national defenses against the pest. Through its New World Screwworm Grand Challenge, the agency selected 40 projects from 226 submissions to receive funding.
The chosen projects focus on improving detection systems, advancing eradication tools, and enhancing emergency response capabilities.
Beyond the newly funded projects, additional USDA-supported research is already underway. Scientists at Texas A&M AgriLife Research are evaluating electron beam technology as a non-radioactive method for sterilizing screwworm pupae.
At the same time, researchers at the University of Florida are studying the effectiveness of domestically produced X-ray irradiators using secondary screwworms as a research substitute.
Together, these investments represent a comprehensive effort to improve preparedness, strengthen surveillance programs, and develop innovative solutions to protect U.S. livestock and agricultural industries from future New World screwworm threats.
Click here, for detailed insights into each funded project.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National