Overview
New World screwworm (NWS) is a devastating pest. It can cause serious, often deadly damage to animals and people in areas where the pest spreads. While NWS is present in parts of South America—where infections in animals and people continue to occur—it was eradicated from the United States decades ago. In recent years, NWS has moved northward through Central America and Mexico and was confirmed in Texas on June 3, 2026.