For nearly six decades, the eradication of the New World screwworm fly — a flesh-eating parasite that attacks livestock, wildlife, pets, and in rare cases, humans — was considered one of America’s greatest agricultural feats. Through cutting-edge scientific innovation, the United States eliminated a parasite that once caused devastating losses for livestock producers and consumers alike. The achievement became a reminder of what was possible when threats to our agriculture were taken seriously.

Today, despite decades of scientific progress, the threat is back. After steadily advancing north through Central America and Mexico for years, the screwworm has been detected once again in Texas and New Mexico.