Second Texas Screwworm Case Raises New Concerns for Cattle Industry and Beef Prices

Federal officials have confirmed a second case of New World screwworm infection in Texas cattle, escalating concerns that the flesh-eating parasite may pose a larger threat to the U.S. livestock industry than initially believed.

The second confirmation comes only days after the first case triggered a rapid USDA response that included surveillance efforts, movement controls, and sterile-fly releases designed to stop the parasite from spreading.

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The development has drawn attention from ranchers, livestock organizations, and commodity traders because U.S. cattle inventories are already near multi-decade lows. Additional infections could increase livestock losses and production costs while placing further pressure on beef supplies.

Agricultural groups are now closely monitoring whether more cases emerge in Texas. While officials continue to emphasize containment efforts, the appearance of a second infected animal has intensified concern throughout the cattle industry and strengthened fears that food inflation could remain elevated if the outbreak expands.

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