A human case of New World screwworm has been confirmed in the United States, raising concerns for the cattle industry. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association CEO Colin Woodall says the situation, while concerning, was not unexpected. “The CDC came into action, and their protocols worked in order to identify this person and make sure that the local authorities were treating it accordingly,” said Woodall. “While yes, it is a little shocking, it’s not surprising.” Woodall notes this isn’t the first time the parasite has been detected. “There was a case in 2024, just last year, a case in 2023, and one going back to 2014,” he explained. “It underscores why we have to continue to invest in prevention and new technologies as we fight against screwworm.”
