Texas Screwworm Infestations: Small Wildlife Now Eyed as Carriers, Shifting Border Policy Debate

Texas officials now suggest that small wildlife, like armadillos and rabbits, may be responsible for the New World screwworm infestations, not just cattle. This new understanding significantly shifts public policy debates surrounding border security measures and agricultural protection. It also raises questions about the allocation of state and federal resources for animal health and potential economic impacts on the Texas ranching industry.