Source: The Guardian
A working ranch horse in Presidio County, Texas, has been infected with New World screwworm, marking the first confirmed equine case in the United States during the current outbreak. The flesh-eating fly larvae infest open wounds and can cause severe injury or death. US Equestrian advised horse owners to inspect animals daily, keep wounds clean and covered, use veterinarian-recommended fly control, and reduce fly exposure.
The Texas Animal Health Commission has restricted movement of warm-blooded animals from infested areas in several counties to limit spread. New World screwworm, eradicated from the United States decades ago, returned in June when it was detected in a calf in Zavala County. Of 49 U.S. cases reported this year, 48 have occurred in Texas and one in New Mexico. Authorities are also using sterile flies, whose mating with females produces no viable offspring, to suppress the parasite’s population and protect livestock.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/10/texas-horse-screwworm-infection