New World Screwworm

A federal judge has ordered all border-related construction to stop immediately in Texas’ Big Bend region, including in Big Bend National Park. As Marfa Public Radio’s Mary Cantrell reports, the emergency injunction will remain in effect while a lawsuit moves forward. A new case of New World screwworm has been confirmed in a dog in Brewster County, bringing the U.S. total to 53 since June. Animal owners are urged to regularly check for wounds or maggots and immediately report any suspected infestations.

Sonora's cattle ranchers' union says the border will reopen to live cattle after a "technical problem" is resolved.

The Trump administration has tried to lower beef prices for months, but demand, drought and a parasite have foiled its efforts. Some ranchers are frustrated with the administration's latest moves.

Texas lawmakers say they may have to reign in the police use of some popular surveillance tools, such as drones and automatic license plate readers, during next year’s legislative session. This week, the U.S. started accepting cattle from Mexico again after a lengthy hold on cattle imports, mostly due to the presence of New World Screwworm. Harvest Public Media’s Michael Marks reports it’s a relief for American businesses like feedlots and meatpackers.

The case comes just days before the U.S.-Mexico border is scheduled to reopen to cattle, starting with the Arizona-Sonora border.

The spray can be used for prevention but not for treatment of wounds affected by the New World screwworm.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized emergency use of a new wound spray to help ranchers protect livestock from New World screwworm. Texas Public Radio’s Yvette Benavides reports on CLiK Extra. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller thanked the FDA for the approval, but expressed frustration over the U.S. Department of Agriculture's continued reliance on sterile flies.

The U.S. will resume limited imports of Mexican cattle on Aug. 24, reopening a trade route that had been closed for more than a year because of the northward spread of New World screwworm. The move comes as tight cattle supplies have pushed beef prices to record highs.

The reopening will start at the Douglas-Agua Prieta, Mexico, border crossing in late August after a more than yearlong closure to protect against the parasite.

Animal rescue leaders say new rules meant to prevent the spread of the livestock parasite make sense. But they are also costly for overcrowded shelters in Texas, which transfer many pets to other states.