The Department of Agriculture confirmed on Wednesday that the New World screwworm fly has been detected in Texas, marking the first time the parasite has threatened America’s cattle industry since 1966. 

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed the flesh-eating larvae was detected in a calf in Zavala County, Texas, roughly 50 miles from the Mexican border, adding that her department is “taking immediate action” to mitigate the spread.

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