New World Screwworm Is Getting Closer: Texas Livestock Producers Should Prepare Now

For years, many livestock producers assumed New World screwworm (NWS) was a problem of

the past. Unfortunately, that assumption is becoming harder to make. Recent reports place NWS

in Mexico just 149 miles from the Texas-Mexico border, which means the threat is no longer

theoretical, particularly for producers in South Texas.

As this issue moves closer, producers should not wait until the NWS is confirmed in their area to

start thinking about a response. The better approach is to prepare now.

Prevention Matters More Than Panic

When news like this breaks, the first question many producers ask is, “What do I treat with?”

That is understandable, but treatment is only part of the conversation.

With screwworm, prevention and management are critical. The screwworm fly is attracted to

wounds, where it lays eggs that can quickly develop into a serious infestation. That means

reducing wounds, controlling flies and ticks, and improving day-to-day observation of animals

are some of the most important steps a producer can take.

In practical terms, that may include stepping up seasonal fly and tick control, evaluating when

certain procedures are performed, and being more strategic about animal handling during warmer

months when flies are active.

Reevaluate Routine Management Decisions

This is also a good time for producers to take a hard look at management practices that may

unintentionally increase risk.

Procedures like ear tagging, dehorning, branding, and shearing all create wounds that can attract

screwworm. If possible, producers may want to consider shifting those activities into cooler

months. The same goes for calving and lambing schedules. If births are occurring during peak fly

season, closer monitoring and stronger umbilical cord treatment protocols become especially

important.

That matters because the umbilical area is one of the most common entry points for screwworm

infestation in young animals.

The broader lesson here is simple: focus on the things that are within your control now, before

there is an emergency.

Make Sure Your Operation Can Respond Quickly

If the NWS becomes active in Texas, speed will matter.

An infestation can become visible within just a few days, and an affected animal can decline

rapidly if it is not treated. Because of that, producers should make sure their operation is set up to

respond immediately.

That includes having a working relationship with a veterinarian, since some treatment products

may require veterinary approval. It also means making sure employees know what to look for,

how to handle a suspicious wound, and what steps to take if larvae are found.

Facilities matter, too. If you cannot safely and quickly get hands on an animal, response becomes

much harder. Producers should evaluate pens, chutes, and working facilities now—and, if

livestock are spread across multiple pastures, portable panels or other temporary systems may be

worth considering.

Monitoring Will Be Key

Screwworm response depends on catching problems early. That means livestock may need more

frequent close-up visual inspection, not just checking them from a distance. Producers may also

benefit from using additional tools such as game cameras near water sources, tracking collars, or

even drones to help locate and observe animals more efficiently.

It is also important to remember that cattle are not the only concern. Any mammal can be

affected, including wildlife, which makes observation even more important.

If a producer suspects an infestation, hesitation can make the situation worse.

Rapid reporting is essential because eradication efforts depend heavily on identifying where

infestations are occurring and responding quickly. The sooner officials know where the issue is

active, the sooner control measures can begin to limit the spread.

Final Thoughts

For Texas livestock producers, the message is straightforward: this is the time to prepare, not the

time to assume it will not happen here. With the New World screwworm moving closer to the

border, producers should be reviewing parasite control programs, evaluating seasonal

management decisions, preparing facilities, training employees, and working with veterinarians

now. No one can eliminate every risk, but strong planning and close monitoring can go a long

way toward protecting a herd if NWS reaches Texas.

If you suspect an infestation, do not hesitate to report it. Quick reporting is critical because one

of the most important tools in eradication is the release of sterile flies to stop the population from

spreading. The faster officials know where NWS is active, the faster they can respond.

Sources:



Ledbetter, Kay. “Prepare Now: New World Screwworm Threat Nears Texas Border.” Farm

Progress, 24 Mar. 2026,

www.farmprogress.com/livestock/producer-preparedness-critical-as-screwworms-approa

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5ff8916a934f926f9b862344210d571. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.