Flesh-Eating Parasite Returns to Texas, Louisiana Issues Cattle Import Restrictions

By Caleb Carter

KPLC

LAKE CHARLES, La. - A flesh-eating parasite has returned to the United States in Texas after being absent for decades, prompting Louisiana to issue import restrictions on Texas cattle.

New World screwworms, a dangerous pest eradicated from the U.S. decades ago, have been confirmed in Texas. The parasite feeds on live flesh, according to Jimmy Meaux, Calcasieu Parish county agent for the LSU AgCenter.

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