REDFIELD, Iowa (DTN) -- USDA and Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) continues to release New World screwworm (NWS) infested zones in Texas as no more cases are found in the areas.

The first NWS case was found in a newborn calf in Zavala County, Texas on June 3, 2026. The calf has since recovered, and that infested zone has been released. Several of the infested zones have been released, the most recent today, yet others are still in place. Federal and state partners continue to work together to provide animal and fly surveillance.

"The Texas Animal Health Commission has been an outstanding partner throughout our response to New World screwworm. Their vigilance, on-the-ground expertise, and unwavering commitment to protecting livestock and wildlife have been essential to our shared success," said Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Dudley Hoskins in a news release. "Thanks to this strong federal-state partnership, we've been able to identify cases early, respond aggressively, and slow the spread of NWS across affected areas."

RESPONSE EFFORTS CONTINUE IN ACTIVE ZONES

The TAHC and USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service have worked together as cases have been confirmed to establish infested zones and follow the response activities. Animals in these zones are subject to inspection and movement requirements. Sterile NWS flies are strategically released in these areas. Surveillance also continues in these areas, and fly traps provide surveillance of flies in the area. More than 1 billion sterile NWS flies have been released to fight against the pest.

Since June 3, there have been 49 confirmed cases of NWS in the U.S. with 48 being in Texas and one in New Mexico in cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, and the most recent in a horse.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Stephen Diebel issued the following statement after TAHC released the first infested zone, "Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association applauds USDA-APHIS, Texas Animal Health Commission and the ranchers and landowners who have worked together to combat New World screwworm in the U.S. The release of infested zones marks an important step forward and restores continuity of business in these areas."

He said the milestone shows that federal and state animal health officials can work together using science-based protocols to guide the response. "We know the fight is not over, but we are grateful for this progress and remain committed to protecting the livestock industry and pushing NWS back to the Darién Gap," Diebel said.

USDA reminds animal owners that early detection helps halt outbreaks and protects the entire livestock community.

BORDER REOPENING SIGNALS ADDITIONAL PROGRESS

The Douglas, Arizona, port of entry opened to Mexican cattle on August 24. USDA previously noted, "The reopening timeline will remain flexible and may be adjusted based on Mexico's progress in meeting Action Plan milestones and addressing critical issues."

New Mexico Commissioner of Agriculture Jeff Witte told DTN at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture meeting this week that his agency along with the New Mexico livestock board will host U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins in touring the Santa Teresa port of entry this week in preparation of reopening. A date for that opening hasn't been announced.

The USDA website with all information about NWS is https://www.aphis.usda.gov/…

Editor's Note:

For more DTN coverage of the New World screwworm threat and the response by the government and livestock industry, visit our Spotlight on New World Screwworm page at https://www.dtnpf.com/…

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com.

Follow her on social platform X @JennCattleGal.

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