US screwworm cases rise as outbreak spreads beyond initial contamination zones (opens original article in a new tab)

Screwworm cases are rising in the US as the outbreak spreads beyond initial zones, with 12 confirmed cases and efforts underway to contain the spread through sterile fly deployments and quarantine measures.

• Twelve animal cases of screwworm confirmed in the US, up from the first case in south Texas on 3 June
• Screwworm outbreak spreads to new areas including west Texas and New Mexico, with infected animals including cattle, goats, sheep, and a dog
• USDA and Texas officials urge vigilance and report suspected cases, deploying 4 million sterile flies to combat the outbreak
• Pennsylvania imposes quarantine on livestock imports from affected areas to prevent spread