Eight new cases of New World screwworm detected near Texas border

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) officials announced Mexico’s National Service of Agro-Alimentary Public Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA) confirmed eight new cases of New World screwworm (NWS) in the state of Tamaulipas, which borders Texas.

Since Dec. 30, 2025, the TDA said 11 cases have been confirmed in Tamaulipas.

“It’s just plain cowboy logic — when you’re seeing this many cases this fast, it tells you there may be established screwworm fly populations in Tamaulipas,” said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. “We’re grateful sterile fly deployment has begun but make no mistake: Texas producers need to stay on high alert along our border.”

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) officials announced Mexico’s National Service of Agro-Alimentary Public Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA) confirmed eight new cases of New World screwworm (NWS) in the state of Tamaulipas, which borders Texas.

Since Dec. 30, 2025, the TDA said 11 cases have been confirmed in Tamaulipas.

“It’s just plain cowboy logic — when you’re seeing this many cases this fast, it tells you there may be established screwworm fly populations in Tamaulipas,” said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. “We’re grateful sterile fly deployment has begun but make no mistake: Texas producers need to stay on high alert along our border.”

The state association added that it had not received confirmation that the affected animals reported by SENASICA have a history of movement outside Tamaulipas, raising concerns that the pest may now be spreading naturally rather than being introduced through animal movement.

TDA is also working with the USDA and animal health partners and urges Texas producers, especially those along the border, to take preventive action now.