The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is hosting a free seminar on Thursday evening on the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly that feeds on live flesh and could affect the cattle industry and pets.

UTRGV's College of Sciences will also discuss how the pest was eradicated in the past.

"I think there's a lot that we've learned from sort of a land and animal management perspective in the past that we can apply moving forward," vector-borne disease ecologist Sarah Maestas said. “UTRGV is going to be involved in research looking at habitat use of screwworm flies and trying to improve the methods that are available for surveillance and monitoring.”

The parasite infected a calf north of Roma in July 2026. That case has since been cleared.

There are currently only two active cases in the state, both in West Texas.

The seminar begins at 6 p.m. at the UTRGV Edinburg campus library auditorium. It is free and open to the public.

Those who need a parking permit on campus must register online. Click here to register.