What did USDA say about screwworm risk?

USDA says food supply ‘not at risk’ after Texas screwworm detection

Following the detection of New World screwworm in Texas livestock, U.S. officials moved quickly to reassure the public about broader food-supply implications. USDA leadership said the national food supply is “not at risk,” despite the return of a parasite that had been eradicated from the U.S. in the mid-20th century.

The screwworm is described in the coverage as a flesh-eating fly whose larvae can infest open wounds in warm-blooded animals. When it reappears, the immediate risk is to livestock health—particularly because it can expand injuries as the larvae consume tissue.

Why Texas matters

Texas is a major agricultural state, and any outbreak that affects livestock can raise concerns about animal welfare, veterinary costs, and disruptions to herd management. Even if the risk to the overall food supply is judged low, the detection can still trigger increased surveillance and response measures.

Bottom line

USDA’s message is that while screwworm presence in Texas is a serious animal-health issue and will require response efforts, officials believe it has not crossed into a threat to the broader U.S. food supply.

(Details on specific intervention steps weren’t included in the provided stories.)