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The flesh-eating pest that once cost ranchers millions is back
By Seth Millstein for Sentient via Stacker at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· June 21, 2026
· 1 min read
It’s back: For the first time since 1982, the New World screwworm has been found in U.S. cattle. The flesh-eating parasitic fly, which was eradicated from American cattle herds almost 50 years ago, has been detected in three cows, one dog and a goat, prompting Canada to restrict cattle imports fr...
Key takeaway The flesh-eating parasitic fly, which was eradicated from American cattle herds almost 50 years ago, has been detected in three cows, one dog and a goat, prompting Canada to restrict cattle imports fr...
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The return of the New World screwworm to US cattle herds has significant implications for Atlanta 's agricultural community. As a major hub in the southeastern United States, Atlanta plays a crucial role in the region's livestock industry. The city's proximity to rural areas and its position as a key transportation nexus make it an important center for cattle trading and processing. With the screwworm's reappearance, local farmers and ranchers are likely to face increased costs and challenges in maintaining healthy herds, which could have a ripple effect on the regional economy. Furthermore, the potential for widespread outbreak and subsequent restrictions on cattle imports could impact Atlanta's role as a major livestock market, affecting not only local farmers but also businesses that rely on the industry, such as feed suppliers and veterinary services. The situation bears close watching, particularly given the already strained state of the US beef industry.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 21, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? It’s back: For the first time since 1982, the New World screwworm has been found in U.S. cattle. The flesh-eating parasitic fly, which was eradicated from American cattle herds almost 50 years ago, has been detected in three cows, one dog and a goat, prompting Canada to restrict cattle imports fr...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 21, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Seth Millstein for Sentient via Stacker at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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