Your Next Vacation Could Get a Whole Lot Grosser: Screwworm Threatens to Invade U.S. Beaches and Your Wallet
Brace yourselves, travelers and pet owners—the screwworm is back on the radar, and this creepy crawler isn’t just a headline for farmers. Federal officials are now warning that this flesh-eating pest could spread to popular tourist spots, which means higher costs for animal inspections, potential livestock quarantines, and yes, even pricier beef at the grocery store. If you’re planning a trip south of the border or a beach getaway, expect new airport screening fees and stricter rules on bringing back souvenirs or hiking gear. For pet owners, the risk to your dog or cat means a scramble for expensive vet-prescribed repellents. It’s a pocketbook punch starting this summer: your vacation fund and grocery budget are now on screwworm alert.