The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is allocating $750 million to combat a resurgence of the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into and kill livestock and wildlife. Ranchers in central Mexico have recently reported infestations of screwworm maggots in their cattle for the first time in decades, raising concerns among Texas cattle ranchers about potential spread into the United States. Historically, from 1972 to 1976, a screwworm outbreak affected tens of thousands of cattle across six U.S. states. In response to the current threat, the U.S. has authorized emergency use of veterinary drugs to control the parasite. The USDA plans to breed billions of sterile screwworm flies as part of a biological control strategy. The potential infestations have also led to expectations among U.S. ranchers that meat prices could rise due to the impact on livestock health and supply.