06/05/2026
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the detection of a New World screwworm (NWS) in Zavala County, Texas. The affected animal, a 3-week-old calf, had larvae present in an umbilical lesion. This marks the first reported case of New World screwworm in the United States during the current outbreak. NWS is an animal health concern and is not a food safety or food quality issue.
Anyone who suspects a NWS infestation in livestock, wildlife or companion animals should immediately contact State Veterinarian Dr. Frazier at (334) 240-7253.
For more information about NWS, visit agi.alabama.gov/nws. Cattle producers seeking additional information on NWS prevention and response efforts can visit USDA APHIS's Stop Screwworm webpage at www.screwworm.gov.
For the full press release visit, agi.alabama.gov/animalindustries/2026/06/usda-confirms-new-world-screwworm-in-texas/