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USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a Texas calf, the first US case since 1966, after the pest moved north through Mexico. Feeder cattle futures initially dropped on consumer demand fears, then rallied more than 3%.
USDA says it believes the case can be contained.
A spreading outbreak could further shrink a US cattle herd already at its smallest in 75 years, tightening supplies and supporting feeder and live cattle prices. Losses of up to $1.8 billion are estimated for Texas if the pest spreads.
investing.comJun 4, 2026After 122 past bullish disease events, Feeder Cattle moved a median +0.4% over 5 sessions (60% higher; middle half -1.0% to +1.6%), and +2.0% over 20.
After 148 past bullish disease events, Live Cattle moved a median +0.4% over 5 sessions (62% higher; middle half -0.5% to +1.2%), and +1.4% over 20.
Moves of each commodity's benchmark from the last close before the event. Historical reads pool past events of the same kind; they describe what happened, not what will. Not investment advice.
Reuters reports feeder futures rallied more than 3% after an initial drop following the screwworm case, matching the size of the move via supply-risk repricing.
