Parasitic, flesh-eating flies moving close to U.S.-Mexico border, sparking fears in Texas

The New World screwworm, a parasitic fly that lays its eggs on open wounds, has been detected near the U.S.-Mexico border, raising alarms in Texas. This marks the closest the infestation has come to U.S. soil since authorities began tracking cases in November 2024. The presence of these flies could have severe implications for livestock and potentially human health, as they can cause severe infections. Farmers and public health officials are on high alert, implementing measures to prevent an outbreak similar to the ones that once plagued the southern U.S. decades ago.