The New World screwworm fly is threatening the $113 billion U.S. cattle industry for the first time in more than a half century, with an infestation from its flesh-eating larvae confirmed in south Texas.

The United States said on Thursday that the New World screwworm (NWS) fly, a dangerous livestock pest whose flesh-eating larvae can kill cattle, has been detected in a calf in south Texas. The NWS fly was eradicated in the United States in 1966.

The New World screwworm fly is threatening the U.S. cattle industry for the first time in more than a half century.

The blood-sucking parasite has affected tens of thousands of cattle south of the border, which has been closed to the livestock trade.

Texas livestock sample sent to National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames to check for suspected screwworm infestation.