Mexico’s National Service of Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA) has confirmed a new detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in Llera, Tamaulipas, Mexico. According to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), this case is located approximately 197 miles from the U.S.–Mexico border and was identified in a 6-day-old bovine with an umbilical lesion. This marks the first confirmed NWS detection in the state of Tamaulipas and represents the northernmost active detection at this time. There have been no additional detections in Tamaulipas, nor is there any evidence of an established screwworm fly population in the area. USDA is pursuing all options to release sterile flies in the area.
You can find the current situation map and table showing cases within 400 miles of the U.S. on screwworm.gov.
As a reminder:
- Livestock & Exotic Livestock producers, particularly those located along the southern border, are encouraged to routinely inspect their animals and remain alert for clinical signs consistent with NWS.
- Travelers returning from NWS-affected areas should closely monitor animals for symptoms and promptly report any suspected cases.
- If NWS is suspected, do not move the animal and immediately contact the TAHC or your veterinarian.
EWA remains actively engaged in these efforts through our participation on the Texas NWS Response Team, established by Governor Greg Abbott, and as a member of the Screwworm Coalition of Texas. We will continue to share important updates, challenges, and developments with our members as they unfold.