Texas confirms 1st screwworm case since 1966, hitting cattle futures
Why it matters: USDA froze animal movement within 20 kilometers of the site as the parasite threatens herds and beef prices.
A calf in La Pryor, Texas, tested positive for New World screwworm, marking the first confirmed case in the state since 1966 after the parasite moved north through Mexico. The US Department of Agriculture said it was the only confirmed US infestation and halted animal movement within 20 kilometers of the detection site. The agency also released sterile flies, increased wildlife surveillance and sent a response team and treatment supplies to South Texas. The finding rattled ranchers because the US cattle herd is already at a 75-year low, with tight supplies pushing beef prices to records. Chicago Mercantile Exchange feeder cattle futures fell 1.7% as traders weighed the risk of weaker beef demand and broader livestock losses.