Mounting concerns over a dangerous flesh-eating parasite have prompted immediate action from U.S. agricultural authorities along the southern border.

According to Fox News, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced an immediate suspension of cattle, horse, and bison imports through U.S. southern border ports of entry due to a New World Screwworm (NWS) outbreak in Mexico.

The resurgence of this devastating pest, which was successfully eradicated from the United States in 1966, poses a significant threat to livestock and human health. USDA officials emphasize the gravity of the situation, pointing to the three-decade recovery period the cattle industry endured following the last major outbreak.

Historic Impact and Economic Consequences of Screwworm

Secretary Rollins expressed serious concerns about the potential impact through her statement on X:

Due to the threat of New World Screwworm I am announcing the suspension of live cattle, horse, & bison imports through U.S. southern border ports of entry effective immediately. The last time this devastating pest invaded America, it took 30 years for our cattle industry to recover. This cannot happen again.

Financial records from the 1950s and 1960s reveal the devastating economic toll of previous screwworm infestations. Livestock producers in the southwestern United States suffered annual losses ranging from $50 million to $100 million before the pest's eventual eradication.

These substantial losses were attributed to the region's larger geographic area, higher livestock populations, and favorable conditions for the parasite's survival through winter months.

The most recent U.S. outbreak occurred in the Florida Keys in 2016, affecting only the endangered deer population. Swift intervention contained the situation, leading to successful eradication by March 2017.

Understanding the Deadly Parasite's Life Cycle

The New World Screwworm, scientifically known as Cochliomyia hominivorax, exhibits a particularly gruesome method of parasitism.

Female flies target living, warm-blooded animals, laying eggs in wounds or natural openings. The resulting larvae burrow into the flesh using sharp mouth hooks, creating extensive damage that attracts more flies and perpetuates the cycle of infestation.

Currently endemic to Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and various South American countries, these parasitic flies typically inhabit forested areas. However, they actively seek out livestock in pastures and fields, posing a constant threat to agricultural operations.

The parasites earned their name from their distinctive burrowing behavior, which mirrors the motion of a screw being driven into wood. This process can lead to potentially fatal tissue damage and a condition known as myiasis.

Human Health Risks and Prevention Measures

While primarily affecting livestock, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that human infections, though rare, can occur.

Individuals traveling to endemic regions face increased risk, particularly those with compromised immune systems, the very young or elderly, and people with recent surgical wounds.

People spending time among livestock, sleeping outdoors, or having open wounds - even as small as tick bites - must exercise particular caution. The CDC emphasizes that maintaining wound care and practicing proper hygiene are essential preventive measures.

Healthcare providers in border regions have been advised to maintain a heightened awareness of potential screwworm cases, especially in patients with recent travel history to affected areas.

Current Crisis Management and Future Outlook

Agricultural authorities have implemented comprehensive border control measures to prevent the parasite's spread into U.S. territory. The suspension of livestock imports represents the first line of defense against a potential outbreak that could devastate American agriculture.

Officials are working closely with Mexican authorities to monitor the situation and develop effective containment strategies. The experience gained from previous eradication efforts, particularly the successful 1966 campaign, provides valuable insights for current control measures.

USDA representatives stress the importance of maintaining vigilant surveillance and rapid response capabilities to protect both animal and human health.