“The worm ate our time.” Inside Mexico’s efforts to outbreed a flesh-eating fly.

Mexico is battling its worst New World screwworm outbreak in decades. Cases have topped 34,000 head across nearly all Mexican states and halted cattle imports to the U.S. until a phased reopening began last month. Even as authorities bring re-eradication efforts to full speed, ranchers must check all their animals daily. This article offers an in-country snapshot of the realities of an NWS outbreak.

Source: The New York Times, September 2, 2026. Link. Of his 50 animals, Mr. (Francisco Javier) Rodríguez said, nine have been infected by screwworms over the past year, the majority of them calves. While none have died, he said, some of the cattle needed weeks to recover because the infection affected their appetites and milk production.

I have to check every day.” Francisco Javier Rodríguez

Photo: The New York Times