Texas is on high alert due to the potential threat of the New World screwworm , a once-eradicated, flesh-eating pest that devastated the U.S. cattle industry throughout the 20th century. While the parasitic fly seemingly hasn’t made it to Burnet County, local agriculture experts say awareness is key to stopping an outbreak.

The United States shut down cattle, horse, and bison trade with Mexico on May 11 when the screwworm was detected about 700 miles from the border. Since then, a coalition of local, state, federal, and international organizations have mobilized to control the insect’s spread before it can cause mayhem for ranchers north of the border.

“I wouldn’t say that we need to get panicked or scared right now; I just think that we need to be aware,” Burnet County AgriLife Extens

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