Resources with keywords: Zoonotic Diseases
As of February 17, 2026, Central America and Mexico have reported more than 153,000 NWS cases in animals and over 1,300 cases in people.
CDC is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to share information and notify clinicians, public health authorities, and the public about recent New World screwworm (NWS) animal cases in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, which shares a border with the U.S. state of Texas.
Rabies is a viral disease that infects mammals and has an almost 100% fatality rate if postexposure prophylaxis is not administered before symptom onset. Outbreaks among cattle are rare but have been reported. Steer-to-steer transmission could not be ruled out.
In February 2025, CDC confirmed a fatal rabies case in a patient who had received a transplanted kidney from a deceased donor with undiagnosed rabies. Three cornea recipients from the same donor underwent graft removal, received PEP, and remained asymptomatic.
Cavallone IN, et al.
CDC recommendations to health care providers and preparedness personnel regarding treatment and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) of tularemia. Because F. tularensis has a low infectious inoculum, it is classified as a potential bioterrorism agent that could infect thousands of persons if intentionally released.
New World screwworm (NWS) infestation occurs when NWS fly larvae (Cochliomyia hominivorax) infest the tissue or flesh of warm-blooded animals. In places where the flies are present, people can also become infested.
To ensure the protection of U.S. livestock herds, USDA is holding Mexico accountable by ensuring proactive measures are being taken to maintain a NWS free barrier. This is maintained with stringent animal movement controls, surveillance, trapping, and following the proven science to push the NWS barrier south in phases as quickly as possible.
APHIS Experts Evaluated Mexican Response to New World Screwworm and Found Trade Can Begin
Ham A.
Video from a national park in Uganda depicted a parade of predatory species feeding on and dispersing fruit bats that are known natural reservoirs of infectious diseases.
Rich SN, Hinckley AF, Earley A, Petersen JM, Mead PS, Kugeler KJ
Tularemia is a rare nationally notifiable zoonosis, caused by the tier-1 select agent Francisella tularensis, that has been reported from all U.S. states except Hawaii.
