USDA Catches First Wild Screwworm Fly in Texas; Outbreak Remains Limited but Ongoing

# What happened

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported the first capture of a wild New World screwworm fly in Brewster County, Texas. The fly was caught in one of the USDA's more than 100 screwworm‑specific traps positioned along the U.S. border as part of the outbreak response that began in early June.

# Current case picture

Federal data show 50 confirmed screwworm cases in the United States since the outbreak began. Most cases have occurred in Texas. At the time of the report, two active U.S. cases remained: a horse in Presidio County, Texas, and a horse in Grant County, New Mexico.

# Why the wild fly detection matters

Finding a wild fly is the first direct evidence that wild adult flies are present in the border region during this incursion. Until this capture, wild flies had largely escaped surveillance, and authorities had not confirmed infections in wild animals. The USDA says traps are placed just outside infested areas to avoid catching sterile flies and to better pinpoint wild‑fly movement.

The detection can influence where sterile male flies are dispersed. Those sterile males are released to mate with wild females and reduce reproduction, a central tactic for screwworm control.

# Surveillance and response tools in use

The USDA's detection system uses targeted fly traps, animal checks, drones, trail cameras, field teams, and partner networks. Officials highlighted that the surveillance system is working to locate wild flies and monitor movement.

Paolo Tizzani, senior veterinary epidemiologist at the World Organization for Animal Health, warned that case counts alone cannot explain why spread has been limited and said surveillance must continue, including monitoring of wild animals and flies.

# Trade and livestock context

# Sterile‑fly production timeline

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the country is still building the capacity for the sterile flies, calling those flies "the one true way to eradicate." She also said progress has been made, while cautioning that the outbreak is not over.

# Practical implications for the coming months

Hunting season in Texas could improve opportunities to check wildlife for infections and strengthen surveillance. Officials continue to place traps outside known infested areas to trace movement. Given the production timeline for a large sterile‑fly facility, officials expect the effort to continue into next year and say more episodic cases remain possible.

# Bottom line

County trap catch is evidence wild screwworm flies are present in the border region. Case totals in the U.S. remain relatively low, and responses rely on a mix of surveillance and sterile‑fly releases supplied by smaller overseas plants until a U.S. production facility opens in 2027. Continued monitoring of animals and flies will shape where control measures are deployed in the months ahead.