Texas Confirms Screwworm Has Found a New Host

Texas just logged an unwelcome first: a ranch horse in the state's southern Presidio County has been hit with the New World screwworm, reports the Guardian, the first known US equine case as officials work to stop the flesh-eating parasite's spread. The larvae, which burrow into open wounds, were found on the horse's hind leg, prompting the US Equestrian Federation to urge owners to inspect animals daily for injuries, foul smells, or maggots and to keep wounds clean, covered, and protected from flies.

The Texas Animal Health Commission has tightened movement of warm-blooded animals out of designated zones in several counties, reports Reuters, including Presidio and Jeff Davis. The screwworm, once wiped out in the US, resurfaced in June on a Texas calf and has since been confirmed in 49 US cases, mostly in Texas. A sterile-fly release program launched under President Trump aims to knock down the population.