screwworm outbreak threatens to send your grocery bill soaring as beef supply chains crack
The New World screwworm is making a creepy comeback, and it’s not just a farmer’s nightmare—it’s about to hit your wallet. This flesh-eating pest has infested livestock in South Florida, forcing strict quarantines and mass animal euthanizations that could slash beef production by up to 15% in the coming months. For you, that means less supply, higher demand, and sticker shock at the meat counter. Experts predict a 20 to 30 cent per pound increase on ground beef and steaks within weeks, but the real worry is if the screwworm spreads to poultry or dairy farms, pushing egg and milk prices even higher. Local ranchers are already spending big on biosecurity and expensive insecticide treatments, and those costs will trickle down to your dinner table. If you grill a lot, stock up now—or you might pay the price for this parasite.