Loading…
Scientific American recounts how screwworm was eliminated from the U.S. in 1966 through a sterile-insect technique, and how the parasite returned on June 3, 2026, with larvae found in a calf in Zavala County, Texas, followed by confirmed cases in three other counties and a dog in New Mexico. The USDA has confirmed the new outbreak.
Screwworm infestations threaten cattle herds and can force movement restrictions and import limits on live cattle and beef, tightening supply and lifting cattle prices. A renewed outbreak raises uncertainty for feeder and live cattle markets.
scientificamerican.comAlison L. DavisNov 14, 2026After 150 past bullish disease events, Live Cattle moved a median +0.4% over 5 sessions (63% 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.
