USDA Confirms First Case of New World Screwworm in a Dog in Lea County, New Mexico, Fourth Case in Texas

The New Mexico case was previously reported in Andrews County, Texas

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 8, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is sharing additional details about the epidemiological investigation into the case that was reported earlier today in Andrews County, Texas. While the veterinarian who reported the case is located in Texas, the dog resides at a household in Lea County, New Mexico. Therefore, the location of the case will be reclassified to be the first case detected in New Mexico.

This is believed to be an isolated case; however, because the dog's recent travel and exposure history remain unknown, USDA and state partners have initiated inspection of additional animals in the dog's home and increased outreach in the area while continuing to investigate the animal's movement history.

"This situation is evolving, and we expect new information to emerge as our investigation continues. USDA is committed to sharing what we learn quickly, accurately, and transparently so animal owners and local communities have the information they need to stay vigilant," said Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. "We are working closely with our partners in New Mexico, Texas, and across the region to ensure we identify, contain, and respond to any potential cases as swiftly as possible."

New World screwworm (NWS) poses a serious threat to livestock, pets, wildlife, and in rare cases, people. The larvae feed on living tissue and can cause severe wounds, animal suffering, and significant economic harm if not detected and treated quickly.

APHIS and New Mexico state officials are working together closely to implement actions outlined in the NWS Response Playbook, including:

• continuing the epidemiological investigation,
• sampling additional animals in the household,
• fly trapping,
• preparing for release of sterile insects should it be needed, and
• conducting outreach in the area to encourage reporting of additional suspect cases

Additional Case in Texas

In addition to the reclassified case in New Mexico, USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed a case in a goat in Gillespie County, Texas. USDA and the Texas Animal Health Commission are working as quickly as possible to gather additional details about the case, establish surveillance and testing in the area, and share outreach materials and information.

Guidance for Pet and Livestock Owners

USDA urges residents in these areas to inspect animals daily for:

• Draining or enlarging wounds
• Maggots or egg masses
• Signs of discomfort or irritability
• Lesions around body openings (ears, nose, genital area, umbilicus)

Anyone suspecting an infestation should immediately contact their veterinarian, state animal health official, or USDA. A national reporting page with contact information is available here.

More information about New World screwworm is available at Screwworm.gov.