Pet adoptions halted as US races to stop spread of New World screwworm

Jump to contentAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThousands of dogs and cats in Texas shelters face prolonged adoption holds and an increased risk of euthanasia as the state races to stop the spread of the New World screwworm.The flesh-eating parasite has crossed into the United States from Mexico for the first time in 60 years, posing a major threat to the nation's $113 billion beef industry as well as domestic pets.At least 44 states have implemented strict inspection rules or outright bans on animal movements from infested areas in Texas, causing severe shelter overcrowding in a state that transferred over 140,000 rescue animals out of state in 2025.To combat the outbreak, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is taking major eradication measures, including constructing a $750 million facility in Texas to breed billions of sterile male flies to disrupt the screwworm breeding cycle.Animal welfare advocates emphasize that the current transport crisis is exacerbating existing overcrowding issues driven by Texas's high stray population, low spay and neuter rates, and economic strains on pet owners.In fullTexas dogs and cats at risk of euthanasia as flesh-eating parasite halts adoptionsMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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