Larvas of screwworm flies were detected in a calf at Texas. Estados Unidos’s Agricultura’s Departamento confirmed the case on Wednesday. Trata is the first occurrence of the plague in American territory in a decade. The animal, three weeks old, had an infestation in the umbilical region. Autoridades activated immediate containment measures to prevent further spread.
The parasite, known as New World screwworm, lays eggs in wounds or mucous membranes of warm-blooded animals. The larvae feed on living tissue and can cause the host to die within a few days if left untreated. The US cattle herd is already operating at the lowest level in 75 years. Qualquer The spread of the pest could increase pressure on meat production and increase costs for slaughterhouses.
Detecção occurred close to the border with México
The case was identified in La Pryor, in Zavala County, about 50 kilometers from the Mexican border. The USDA confirmed the presence of the larvae after laboratory analysis. Não there are records of other cases to date. Produtores in the region were on alert since the parasite’s advance into México in recent months.
Restrições to animal movements were imposed within a radius of 20 kilometers around the site. Equipes accelerate the release of sterile flies into the area to interrupt the pest’s reproductive cycle. The FDA authorized the emergency use of veterinary medicines if the situation worsens.
- Larvas found in the umbilical region of the three-week-old calf
- Primeira confirmation in the US since 2016
- Medidas health authorities limit livestock transport in the affected area
- Liberação of sterile flies already underway
- Monitoramento intensified for new focuses
Impacto in the meat market is already reflected in shares
Após the announcement, Tyson Foods shares fell 4.2% in Nova York. JBS shares fell 2.6%, reaching the lowest level since listing in the US. The reduced herd in the US was already raising meat prices. An eventual spread of the screwworm fly could intensify these effects.
The parasite does not pose a food safety risk when the meat is processed correctly. The authorities’ focus remains on protecting livestock and the production chain. The USDA reinforces that the affected animal should recover with appropriate treatment.
Historical eradication Estratégia is reactivated
Os Estados Unidos eradicated screwworm flies from their territory in the 1960s through a massive sterile fly program. The technique consists of releasing sterile males that compete with wild ones and reduce the reproduction of the species. The method was used successfully in several regions of Américas.
The current detection reignites discussions about surveillance at the southern border. México has faced recent outbreaks, which have increased the risk of entry into the US. American Autoridades expanded trapping and monitoring in risk areas. The plan involves rapid containment to preserve the health of the national herd.
Produtores receive prevention guidance
Ranchers were instructed to inspect animal wounds and report any suspicions immediately. Early treatment of myiasis prevents individual losses and reduces the risk of spread. USDA has response teams on standby.
American livestock farming is already dealing with high costs due to shrinking herds. Qualquer additional threat could further pressure consumer prices. Analistas will follow the development of control actions in the coming weeks.
The isolated case serves as a reminder of the fragility of production chains in the face of cross-border parasites. Medidas preventive measures are still being implemented to protect beef production from Estados Unidos.