Increasing New World Screwworm cases in Texas are widening the risk area, keeping pressure on cattle health and movement as eradication efforts slowly progress
The USDA reports 20 total detected New World Screwworm cases in the United States
With cases contained but ongoing risk, the USDA is investing heavily in surveillance, sterile fly production and new technologies to prevent New World screwworm from threatening US cattle herds
Officials are emphasizing early detection and strict biosecurity protocols to prevent the spread of New World screwworm, a parasite capable of rapidly devastating herds
Exporters warn that rising war surcharges and delayed vessels are quickly increasing the cost of moving beef internationally
Processors are increasingly relying on foreign supply to offset domestic shortfalls, reinforcing how tight the US production base remains
Cargill will shutter its Milwaukee ground beef facility by late May, eliminating 221 jobs as tight cattle supplies continue to pressure packer margins. The move follows other industry pullbacks as historically low herd numbers constrain throughput
Federal officials complete a new sterile fly dispersal facility in South Texas to strengthen protection of the US cattle herd from NWS
USDA is shifting sterile fly operations closer to the US-Mexico border as a precaution against New World screwworm, underscoring heightened biosecurity vigilance across cattle farms
From screwworm threats near the southern border to shifting global poultry trade, producers are heading into 2026 with elevated risk and tighter margins
New federal nutrition guidance embraces protein and healthy fats, drawing praise from beef groups while reshaping school meals, SNAP rules, and other federally funded food programs