New World Screwworm Confirmed in Texas

The United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed the presence of New World Screwworm in the United States. On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, USDA confirmed NWS in an animal in Texas. There has not been a confirmed case in Oklahoma at this time.

It is important to note this does not impact food and the food supply is safe.

New World Screwworm is an invasive pest whose larvae infest the open wounds of warm-blooded animals, including livestock, pets, exotic animals, wildlife, and in rare cases, humans. The risk to humans is incredibly low. NWS larvae feed on living tissue, which can be deadly if untreated.

What to know before traveling to or through an infested state:

• Any species traveling from an infested state, but not an infested zone, can enter Oklahoma with a CVI that includes a statement "All animals in shipment do not originate from or transit through a NWS Infested Zone."
• Any species that originates from an infested zone will need to meet the movement requirements for the state of origin AND obtain a permit from the Oklahoma State Veterinarian's office AND have a CVI that states "all animals listed were individually inspected and found free of wounds."

There are steps livestock producers, pet owners, exotic and captive wildlife owners, and veterinarians can take to help identify and potentially slow the spread of NWS:

• Frequently inspect all livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, horses, swine, poultry, llamas, alpacas) pets, and captive wildlife for wounds
• This includes navel wounds in newborns, dehorning/castration sites, tick bites, and any other open injuries
• Be aware of the common signs of a NWS infestation including foul-smelling discharge from wounds, cream-colored larvae in wound tissue & unusual wound enlargement
• Report any suspicious wounds or suspected cases of NWS immediately to your veterinarian, County Extension Agent or the ODAFF State Veterinarian at 405-522-6141
• Learn more from the USDA

There are steps hunters, taxidermists, wildlife rehabilitators, and the public that observe wildlife can take to help identify and potentially slow the spread of NWS:

• Monitor game cameras frequently for wildlife with cream-colored larvae in wound tissue & unusual wound enlargement
• If detected, contact a game warden, veterinarian, or ODAFF with location, species, date and time seen. If pictures can be retrieved, submit to [email protected] with the above information
• When intaking wildlife for rehabilitation, confirm location wildlife originated from. Examine for common signs for NWS infestation including foul-smelling discharge from wounds, cream-colored larvae in wound tissue & unusual wound enlargement
• Report any suspicious wounds or suspected cases of NWS immediately to your veterinarian, local County Extension agent, or the ODAFF State Veterinarian at 405-522-6141
• For hunters, report any suspicious wounds or suspected cases of NWS on recently harvested wildlife immediately to your local game warden or the ODAFF State Veterinarian at 405-522-6141 prior to removal of wildlife.
  • Guidance will be provided on obtaining samples and continued processing steps for consumption

Proper reporting and identification of NWS is key to slowing the spread of this invasive pest. Producers, pet, exotic and captive wildlife owners, and wildlife rehabilitators who suspect NWS should contact their veterinarian and/or county extension agent immediately to help gather and send proper samples to the laboratory for testing. Do not attempt to self-treat a suspected NWS case before consulting a veterinarian or state official.

Again, there is not currently a confirmed case of NWS in Oklahoma. However, Oklahoma producers, pet, exotic and captive wildlife owners, wildlife rehabilitators, veterinarians, hunters and wildlife officials are asked to remain vigilant to help protect Oklahoma's livestock, pets and wildlife populations.

For questions about New World Screwworm, please reach out to ODAFF on our website. Producers can also contact their local veterinarian, county extension agent or the State Veterinarian with any questions. Media members can reach out to [email protected].