In 2024, the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly known for its flesh-eating larvae, was detected in a calf in La Pryor, Texas, marking the first confirmed case in the United States since 1966. This discovery raised alarms among U.S. agriculture officials, as the screwworm poses a significant threat to livestock and could potentially devastate the cattle industry, which is already facing high prices and low herd levels. The USDA has been monitoring the situation closely, implementing containment measures, including the establishment of a quarantine zone and the release of sterile male flies to disrupt the screwworm's reproduction cycle. The risk of human infestation is low, but officials have advised the public to remain vigilant and report any signs of infestation in both livestock and pets. The USDA's response has faced criticism for being slow, with calls for more aggressive action to prevent a wider outbreak. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges in managing agricultural pests and the potential economic impact on the livestock sector.