local
The flesh-eating pest that once cost ranchers millions is back
By Seth Millstein for Sentient via Stacker at KGNS — Sitewide
· June 21, 2026
· 6 min read
It’s back: For the first time since 1982, the New World screwworm has been found in U.S. cattle. The flesh-eating parasitic fly, which was eradicated from American cattle herds almost 50 years ago, has been detected in three cows, one dog and a goat, prompting Canada to restrict cattle imports fr...
Key takeaway cattle herds for much of the 20th century, killing countless cows and costing the industry hundreds of millions of dollars.
Why this matters in Laredo News
The return of the New World screwworm to US cattle herds has significant implications for Laredo 's ranching community, where the livestock industry plays a vital role in the local economy. With the parasite's presence confirmed in Texas, just a stone's throw from Laredo, local ranchers are likely on high alert, given the devastating impact screwworms can have on cattle herds. The 1935 outbreak in Texas, which killed 180,000 cattle, serves as a stark reminder of the parasite's potential to wreak havoc on the industry. As the Department of Agriculture works to contain the outbreak, Laredo's ranchers will be watching closely, aware that a widespread infestation could lead to significant economic losses and further strain the local livestock industry, already facing challenges due to low cattle numbers and high beef prices.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 21, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? It’s back: For the first time since 1982, the New World screwworm has been found in U.S. cattle. The flesh-eating parasitic fly, which was eradicated from American cattle herds almost 50 years ago, has been detected in three cows, one dog and a goat, prompting Canada to restrict cattle imports fr...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 21, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Seth Millstein for Sentient via Stacker at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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