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Deadly cattle pest returns to Texas after 60 years

A parasitic fly, the New World screwworm, has been detected in Zavala County, Texas, marking its return to the United States after a 60-year absence. This discovery raises concerns for the already strained U.S. beef industry, which is facing record-high retail prices and the smallest cattle herd in 75 years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has initiated an emergency response, focusing on quarantine and treatment rather than culling, though the industry fears significant economic losses and potential drops in consumer demand. AI

RANK_REASON Discovery of a significant agricultural pest not seen in decades, with potential for major economic impact. [lever_c_demoted from significant: ic=1 ai=0.0]

Read on Axios Technology →

AI-generated summary · Google Gemini · from 1 sources. How we write summaries →

Deadly cattle pest returns to Texas after 60 years

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Discovery of a significant agricultural pest not seen in decades, with potential for major economic impact. [lever_c_demoted from significant: ic=1 ai=0.0]
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114 days old
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COVERAGE [1]

  1. Axios Technology TIER_1 English(EN) · Ben Berkowitz ·

    New World screwworm confirmed in Texas, stoking fresh cattle fears

    <p>A deadly cattle pest called <a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/11/new-world-screwworms-myiasis-texas-usda-humans" target="_blank">New World screwworm</a> has been found in Texas, 60 years after it was effectively eradicated in the United States.</p><p><strong>Why it matter…