New World screwworm parasite detected in northern Mexico near US border

A dangerous parasite once eliminated in the United States has been detected in northern Mexico, near the American border.

The Ministry of Agriculture of Mexico confirmed on Sunday that a 8 -month cow in Nuevo León was tested positive for the ver to the verge of the new world. The animal was part of an expedition of 100 cattle of Veracruz, but only one showed signs of infestation.

The cow has been treated and all the others received ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug, said officials.

The case was found in Sabinas Hidalgo, a small town less than 70 miles from Texas. It is the most northern detection so far, approaching the American border very much that previous epidemics in other parts of Mexico.

Vis -to -screw flies lay eggs in wounds and their larvae feed on living tissues, causing serious injuries in cattle. The parasite was eradicated from the United States in the 1960s by producing and releasing sterile flies to contain the range of flies, but recent epidemics in Central America and Mexico have again caused concerns.

This is a “priority of national security”, the American agriculture secretary Brooke Rollins, said in a statement.

The American Department of Agriculture (USDA) and several other agencies “perform a progressive response strategy which includes early detection, rapid confinement and long -term eradication efforts,” the press release said.

In addition, the USDA has invested nearly $ 30 million this year to extend the production of sterile flies in Panama and build a new installation in Texas, the New York Times reported.

Thousands of fly traps have also been placed along the border, infected flies detected so far.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said US officials have recently inspected local control measures and will soon publish a report. The American ports remain closed to livestock, bison and imports of Horse from Mexico until further notice, said the Times.

© 2025 Healthday. All rights reserved.