US screwworm cases rise as outbreak spreads beyond initial contamination zones

Twelve animal cases have been confirmed so far among cattle, goats, sheep and a dog in Texas and New Mexico

Screwworm cases are rising in the US as the outbreak spreads beyond the initial contamination zones.

Twelve animal cases have been confirmed so far, a significant increase from the first case detected in a calf in south Texas on 3 June. The growing number of infections has alarmed agricultural experts, who warn that a wider outbreak could have serious consequences for the Texas beef industry.