“This isn’t just a livestock issue; it’s about protecting Texas jobs, rural communities, and our agricultural lifeblood,” Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said.
HOUSTON — Another case of the dangerous New World screwworm has been confirmed in the Mexican border state of Nuevo Leon. The deadly parasite was detected in a cow in Montemorelos, less than 170 miles southwest of the Texas border.
The top agriculture official in Texas warned that this is another reminder that “time is of the essence” to protect the Texas cattle industry.
Editor’s note: The above video originally aired in August 2025.
“The time is now for our state and federal partners to get on board with the deployment of pesticide bait, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said. “This isn’t just a livestock issue; it’s about protecting Texas jobs, rural communities, and our agricultural lifeblood.”
Two weeks ago, another screwworm case was confirmed in Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo León — less than 70 miles from the Texas border.
“Let me be clear: with the screwworm this close, our world-class Texas cattle industry is too important to take chances. That’s why we’re acting with force and precision now,” Miller said. “We have already deployed our state-of-the-art TDA Swormlure traps across South Texas to drive early detection. Working with our partners on both sides of the border, we will do everything possible to stop this pest.”
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins previously said in September that stopping the screwworm is a top national security priority of the Trump Administration.
“We will not rely on Mexico to defend our industry, our food supply, or our way of life,” Rollins said. “We are firmly executing our five-pronged plan and will take decisive action to protect our borders, even in the absence of cooperation.”
What the USDA is doing
U.S. ports remain closed to imports of cattle, bison, and horses from Mexico.
Since July, nearly 8,000 traps have been monitored across Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico, with more than 13,000 screening samples submitted so far. No screwworm flies have been detected in the U.S. to date.
USDA is analyzing the new case and stands ready to release sterile flies in northern Mexico if needed.
At the same time, officials are investing heavily in new detection and eradication technologies through what they call the USDA “Bold Plan,” which includes construction of sterile fly production and dispersal facilities in Texas and $100 million for breakthrough research.
The agency also plans to announce additional measures to rebuild and strengthen the U.S. cattle industry in the days ahead.
Why it matters
Screwworm maggots can infest livestock, wildlife, and people, entering through open wounds or body openings and feeding on living tissue. USDA is urging ranchers and residents near the southern border to monitor animals closely for draining or enlarging wounds, larvae, or eggs.
Anyone who suspects an animal may be infected should immediately contact state animal health officials or a USDA veterinarian. People with suspicious lesions are also urged to seek immediate medical attention.
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