TJ Madsen is among the founding members of the New Herald Tribune and chairs the editorial board. He worked for national syndicated newspapers in Newark, Philadelphia, and Baltimore before moving to the midwest.
June 4 , 2026
San Antonio - Federal and state agricultural officials confirmed this week the presence of New World screwworm infestations in cattle herds in southern Texas, marking the first such detection in the United States in decades and raising concerns about containment capacity.
The screwworm, a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, has historically posed significant threats to livestock industries. The United States successfully eradicated the pest in the 1960s through coordinated surveillance and sterile insect release programs. Its reappearance now has prompted renewed scrutiny of biosecurity systems.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), several infected cattle were identified near the Rio Grande Valley after ranchers reported unusual wound infections that failed to heal. Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of Cochliomyia hominivorax larvae, the species responsible for screwworm infestations.
In a press briefing, Agriculture Secretary Elaine Turner acknowledged operational challenges within the department, stating that a significant portion of USDA personnel had recently been reassigned to support federal immigration enforcement initiatives.
“As a result of these reallocations, our capacity for routine surveillance and rapid response to agricultural threats has been reduced,” Turner said. “We are now working to reestablish those capabilities as quickly as possible.”
The statement has drawn concern from agricultural groups and veterinary associations, who warn that delayed detection and response could allow the infestation to spread more widely among livestock populations.
“Screwworm infestations can escalate quickly if not contained,” said Dr. Miguel Alvarez, a veterinary parasitologist at Texas A&M University. “Early intervention is critical, and any gaps in monitoring increase the risk of economic and ecological damage.”
Texas state officials have initiated localized quarantine measures and are coordinating with federal agencies to assess the scope of the outbreak. Movement restrictions on affected herds are being implemented, and ranchers are being advised to inspect animals closely for signs of infection, including open wounds with visible larvae.
The USDA also indicated that discussions are underway to restart elements of the sterile fly release program, which historically played a key role in eradication efforts. However, the Trump administration has shut down all funding for transgenic animal studies.
"On the plus side," said Turner, "We've helped keep several undocumented migrants from crossing into Texas."
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