The notorious flesh-eating parasites, known for invading the living tissue of their hosts, have extended their reach beyond Texas, now advancing into another U.S. state.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed the emergence of New World screwworms in New Mexico, marking the fifth known case in the country.
Authorities reported the parasites were found in a dog residing in Lea County, New Mexico, which borders Texas on the east.
New World Screwworms (NWS) are notorious for depositing hundreds of larvae into the wounds of both animals and humans. These larvae quickly hatch and begin to feast on the host’s flesh.
Such infestations can result in severe, painful wounds that often become infected, leading to fatal outcomes if not treated promptly.
Over the past week, Texas has already documented four cases, amid concerns that these parasites have been migrating northward from Mexico since 2025.
USDA said in a statement: ‘This situation is evolving, and we expect new information to emerge as our investigation continues.’
‘We are working closely with our partners in New Mexico, Texas, and across the region to ensure we identify, contain, and respond to any potential cases as swiftly as possible.’
This is a breaking story. More details to follow.
The New World Screwworm has been confirmed in New Mexico by the US Department of Agriculture
A terrifying flesh-eating parasite has invaded the US for the first time since 1966
The screwworm was first discovered in a three-week-old calf last week in Texas, and a second case was found only miles away in a young calf a day later.
Three Texas counties, including Kinney, Jim Hogg and Uvalde, have already declared local states of disaster in response to the New World screwworm threat, while similar declarations are pending in Webb, La Salle and Val Verde counties.
Some county leaders have called on President Donald Trump to issue a national emergency declaration, arguing that communities on the front lines need additional personnel, funding and resources to prevent the pest from gaining a foothold in the US.
One year ago, officials in Mexico discovered several NWS cases in the country’s southern states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Veracruz – all of which were part of the migrant caravan route used by millions to cross the US border illegally over the last decade.
Researchers have feared there may be no way of stopping the flies at the US-Mexico border, which could start infesting the South within two decades due to rising temperatures.
Research has indicated that states along the Gulf, including Texas, Florida and Louisiana, are all at risk of seeing the parasites potentially killing cattle and people by 2055.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in a statement: ‘The protection of our ranchers, livestock producers, deer breeders, and the Texas economy from this pest is a top priority.’
‘We have eradicated this pest before, and we will do it again in close cooperation with our federal partners. Texans should stay alert, check animals daily for wounds, and report any suspected cases immediately.’
Female New World Screwworms can lay over 300 eggs in the open wounds of animals and humans, which hatch within 24 hours and begin eating the victim’s tissue
When screwworms became a major problem in the US, it cost the US $200 million – roughly $1.8 billion today – in livestock.
The NWS was last detected in Texas 60 years ago.
