Canada bans Texas cattle over flesh-eating screwworm outbreak in US

Article excerpt

Canada has banned cattle imports from Texas after a second flesh-eating screwworm infection was confirmed in a calf, prompting Texas to declare a state of disaster. The parasitic larvae, which burrow into living tissue and can be fatal to livestock, had been eradicated from the US decades ago but recently reappeared in the state. The outbreak threatens ranchers across the region and has triggered emergency measures including quarantines and treatment programs. Officials fear the warm Texas climate could allow the infestation to spread if not contained quickly.