Screwworm flies lay eggs in wounds and their larvae feed on living tissue, causing serious injury in livestock and other mammals. Photo by Adobe Stock/HealthDay News
A dangerous parasite once eliminated in the United States has been detected in northern Mexico, close to the U.S. border.
Mexico's agriculture ministry confirmed Sunday that an 8-month-old cow in Nuevo León tested positive for New World screwworm. The animal was part of a shipment of 100 cattle from Veracruz, but only one showed signs of infestation.
The cow was treated, and all others received ivermectin, an antiparasitic medication, officials said.
The case was found in Sabinas Hidalgo, a small city less than 70 miles from Texas. It is the northernmost detection so far, moving much closer to the U.S. border than earlier outbreaks in other parts of Mexico.
