USDA reports three new cases of screwworm, bringing total to 15


June 21 (Reuters) - The number of U.S. cases of New World screwworm has risen to 15 after three more animals tested positive in Texas, the Department of Agriculture said in a post on social media website X on Sunday. 

The USDA announcement comes nearly three weeks after the first domestic screwworm infestation ​in six decades was found in a Texas calf. 

New World screwworm is a serious ;pest that can infest any warm-blooded animal, including livestock, pets, wildlife, and, in rare cases, people. The larvae burrow into the living tissue of animals, causing severe wounds that can eventually kill, animal suffering and significant economic losses.