New World Screwworm Cases Rise to 50 in the United States
The number of New World screwworm cases detected across the U.S. has reached 50. While the latest case was found in a horse in New Mexico, control and eradication efforts are ongoing.
In the United States, cases of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that feeds on the live tissues of warm-blooded animals, have reached a total of 50 nationwide. While the latest case was detected in a horse in New Mexico, authorities continue to release sterile flies and maintain quarantine measures.
Number and Distribution of Cases
The number of confirmed New World screwworm cases across the United States has risen to 50. Out of these cases, 48 have been reported in the state of Texas, while two have been recorded in New Mexico.
Latest Developments in New Mexico
Although the spread of the parasite from the south to the north of the country has slowed down, the threat has not completely disappeared. The latest case was confirmed in a horse in Grant County, New Mexico, marking the second case detected in the state this summer.
Sterile Fly Control Efforts
The Department of Agriculture announced that more than 1 billion sterile flies have been released in Texas since February. Authorities aim to increase this production capacity to 500 million flies per week by next summer.
Restrictions and Research
Animal health officials in Texas have begun lifting movement restrictions in certain areas following prolonged surveillance and eradication efforts. Meanwhile, Texas Biomed will host laboratory research aimed at preventing the reproduction of the parasite.