WACO, Texas — A flesh-eating parasite eradicated from Texas decades ago is now threatening to return , with the deadly New World Screwworm detected in northern Mexico just miles from the state border.

The parasite, which attacks any warm-blooded animal, including livestock, pets, and even humans, has prompted the U.S. Department of Agriculture to close the border to cattle and horse imports from Mexico as officials race to prevent a biological invasion that could devastate Texas's $12 billion cattle industry.

Unlike ordinary fly larvae that feed on dead tissue, screwworms burrow into living flesh through open wounds, causing severe infections that can lead to death if not treated within 72 hours.

"The maggot infests the animal, it eats live flesh, and so as a result, you end up wi

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