Federal officials confirmed two additional cases of New World screwworm (NWS) on June 8, bringing the total to four reported cases.
The latest cases were found in a calf in La Salle County, Texas, and a dog in Lea County, New Mexico, classifying the latter as the first case in the state.
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) initially confirmed an epidemiological investigation is ongoing, as a veterinarian in Andrews County, Texas, submitted the sample from the infected dog. The agency said in its initial findings that the dog had recently been in Mexico.
“While we address these instances that require immediate attention and continue to sample suspected cases, we are simultaneously working to eradicate the pest entirely,” said Dudley Hoskins, undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs for APHIS. “We need the partnership of animal owners across the region — please stay vigilant, check your animals closely and report anything that looks suspicious.” Read more