New World screwworm detected in Texas, threatening cattle herds and beef prices
By
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs
If you only eat one bagel today, this is the bagel.
Summary
A case of New World screwworm—a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into living tissue—has been discovered in La Pryor, Texas. While only one case has been confirmed so far, experts warn a wider outbreak could devastate already-low U.S. cattle numbers, strain ranchers with treatment costs, and drive beef prices even higher. The U.S. cattle herd is at its lowest level in 75 years, and beef prices have already risen roughly 75% since December 2020. The USDA estimates a widespread outbreak could cause $1.8 billion in economic losses.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledA widespread screwworm outbreak in Texas could cause $1.8 billion in economic losses, according to the USDA.
The U.S. cattle herd is already at its lowest level in 75 years.
The price of beef—which has gone up roughly 75% since December 2020—could continue to rise.
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