Texas Braces for Potential Invasion of Flesh-Eating Flies, Launches Aggressive Countermeasures

Texas may soon face a severe biological threat as state officials unveil a comprehensive plan to combat the spread of flesh-eating flies—an invasive pest capable of inflicting catastrophic damage on livestock and wildlife populations. While the world contends annually with an array of natural hazards—from destructive weather events to harmful fungi—many people underestimate just how devastating insect infestations can be when left unchecked.

Just last year, certain parts of the United States endured what some experts called the most extensive insect invasion in centuries, a phenomenon so extreme it was likened to plagues described in ancient biblical accounts. Now, the looming danger for southern states, especially Texas, could prove even more destructive if immediate action isn’t taken.

According to Ars Technica, the state has unveiled a sweeping initiative to target the New World Screwworm, a particularly lethal species of flesh-eating fly. This parasite threatens to decimate both domesticated herds, such as cattle and sheep, and native wildlife that form a crucial part of Texas’s ecological balance.

What exactly are New World Screwworms?
These flies, whose scientific name is Cochliomyia hominivorax, are notorious for their grisly reproductive cycle. The females deposit hundreds of eggs into open wounds or natural orifices of warm-blooded animals. Once hatched, the larvae bore into living tissue, consuming their host from the inside out. This gruesome feeding process leads to severe injuries, infections, and often death. Their name comes from the twisted, corkscrew-like shape of their larvae, which drill deep into flesh as they grow.

The economic and ecological stakes are enormous. Infected animals often have to be euthanized, leading to major losses for ranchers. Endangered species, already vulnerable due to habitat loss and climate change, face an even greater risk of being wiped out in localized populations.

A proven method, but a renewed threat
Historically, eradication programs in the Americas succeeded in wiping out Screwworm infestations by employing the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). This approach involved exposing male flies to gamma radiation to render them sterile without impairing their mating behavior. Since females mate only once in their lifetime, introducing sterile males into the environment drastically reduced population numbers over time.

However, recent surges of Screwworm activity in South America have raised alarms that the pest could re-enter U.S. territory. Texas officials are particularly concerned given the state’s proximity to Mexico and the sheer scale of its cattle industry—valued at roughly $15 billion annually.

Texas ramps up defense measures

In response, new sterile-fly production facilities have been established within the state. The USDA has also tightened livestock inspection protocols at southern border entry points, aiming to prevent infected animals from crossing into Texas.

Yet, according to Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, relying solely on the SIT method may no longer be enough. “When it comes to safeguarding Texas’ $15 billion cattle industry, we need to focus on action rather than words,” Miller stated. “That’s why I directed our Biosecurity team to develop an advanced Screwworm lure.”

This new synthetic attractant—dubbed TDA Swormlure—mimics the scent of open wounds, luring the flies into traps before they can reproduce. Officials say it will allow for early detection and targeted eradication, especially in high-risk zones. The current infestation threat is believed to be just 370 miles south of Texas, a distance that could be closed in weeks if left unchecked.

Experts warn that early intervention is key. If the Screwworm were to establish itself in Texas, it could take years and hundreds of millions of dollars to eradicate—echoing the costly campaigns of the mid-20th century. For now, the combination of sterile fly releases, heightened border controls, and cutting-edge lure technology offers the state its best hope of keeping this lethal parasite at bay.