The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax), which was confirmed in a Texas calf on June 3, 2026, is a serious pest that affects livestock, pets, wildlife, and, less commonly, people and birds, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The American Veterinary Medical Association has published a recap for veterinary professionals describing actions to address the outbreak and a brief history of the pest’s presence in the United States, as well as a list of federal resources regarding the New World screwworm.
Featured image of the tip of a the screwworm fly larvae from Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, CSIRO, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
