Canada Bans 550,000 Texas Cattle
- Canada bans Texas cattle over screwworm outbreak
- 550,000 cattle imports from US at risk
- Flesh-eating larvae pose threat to livestock
- Outbreak spreads across US states
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott declares state of disaster
Canada has temporarily banned cattle and horses from Texas after a confirmed case of flesh-eating screwworm was found in the state for the first time since the 1960s, officials said. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced the ban on Friday, citing the risk of the parasite spreading to other parts of North America.
- 550,000 cattle were imported from the US in 2025.
- The number of imports has grown in recent years. The larvae of this parasitic fly feed on living tissue, posing a threat to livestock. Canadian officials warn of potential short-term survival in summer months.
US Response To Outbreak
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of disaster, warning that the parasite poses a serious threat to the state's livestock industry and could spread further during the summer. 'The flesh-eating larvae of this parasitic fly threatens the lives of its host animals,' the agency said in a statement. 'While our colder climate is not hospitable for the long-term establishment of the fly in Canada, they can survive shorter periods of time in the summer months.'
Global Implications
The outbreak has raised concerns over a growing threat to livestock across the globe. Endemic to South America and the Caribbean, the flesh-eating larvae of this parasitic fly burrow into skin to feed on living tissue of an animal host, which can — on rare occasions — include humans. A highly successful eradication program wiped out screwworm from North and Central America by the mid 2000s. However, since 2024 an outbreak of the parasite has spread among livestock in Mexico.
Historical Context
The parasite was considered eradicated in the US in 1966 but there have been cases since, including an outbreak in the 1970s. Screwworms are parasitic flies whose females lay eggs in open wounds and mucous membranes on animals. When the eggs hatch, hundreds of larvae burrow through living flesh with sharp mouths, eventually killing their host if left untreated. The primary way that they have travelled long distances is by being brought by humans.
Human Impact
Cattle ranchers in the US have been fearing an outbreak could shrink herds, reduce beef production and drive prices higher for consumers. The agency urged animal owners and veterinarians to look out for signs of screwworm infestations in livestock, including wounds that worsen over time, discharge and foul odor. Meanwhile, several US states are taking precautionary measures to limit the risk of spread, government sources said. The case was confirmed in the town of La Pryor, Texas, approximately 30 miles from the southern US-Mexico border.