Canada Banned Texas Cattle Amid Flesh-Eating Screwworm Threat
Canada bans Texas cattle over flesh – Canadian officials have imposed a temporary restriction on livestock imports from Texas following the detection of flesh-eating screwworms in calves. The decision was made after the US Department of Agriculture confirmed the presence of the parasite in a second calf within the state, raising concerns about its potential spread.
Texas Outbreak Details
The outbreak, now in its second confirmed case, has prompted Texas Governor Greg Abbott to declare a state of disaster. He emphasized the “imminent threat” the infestation poses to the agricultural sector, warning that the situation may worsen as summer progresses.
“This is likely to spread over the course of the summer,” Abbott stated during a press briefing on Friday.
About the Screwworm Outbreak
The New World Screwworm, a parasitic fly, targets open wounds and mucous membranes of animals and humans. Female flies lay eggs in these areas, which then hatch into larvae. These larvae use their sharp mouthparts to burrow into living tissue, potentially leading to the host’s death if left unchecked.
The first case in Texas was identified in a three-week-old calf in La Pryor, approximately 30 miles from the Mexico border. A second instance was found in a one-month-old calf in Zavala County, located just 5.6 miles from the initial discovery. The USDA reported that these cases emerged during a testing initiative for suspected outbreaks, with the second case within a 20km control zone established after the first.
Impact on Trade
The US and Canada maintain a robust two-way cattle trade, with animals frequently crossing borders for slaughter, breeding, and dairy production. Recent data shows a significant increase in imports from the US, with 550,000 cattle entering Canada in 2025 alone.
Historical Context
Though the screwworm was deemed eradicated in the US by 1966, it has resurfaced in smaller outbreaks, such as the 1970s resurgence. These flies typically travel short distances, but human activity has been a key factor in their long-range spread.
Control Measures in Place
To address the current crisis, US authorities have launched a multi-pronged strategy. This includes releasing genetically modified sterile flies to reduce population growth and deploying sniffer dogs to detect the parasite in cattle. Despite these efforts, some experts remain cautious about their effectiveness.
Canadian officials, while noting the country’s colder climate may limit the parasite’s impact, are urging farmers to inspect livestock for wounds and signs of infection, such as discharge or foul odors. They have also advised pet owners to check animals for similar symptoms if they travel to Texas.
