A new menace threatens our food supply. Years ago, ranchers, beef packers, and meat eaters feared the deadly mad cow disease that resulted in a massive loss of life and livestock in the world’s meat industry. Today, we face the screwworm. Screwworm may sound like a monster from a 1970s Godzilla Movie, but the threat is real.

What is the New World Screwworm?

Published reports say the Screwworm lays eggs in animals' open wounds. The eggs cause infection, pain, and possible death. The parasites eat the flesh off the infected animals. The parasite has spread from Central America into Texas and other southwestern states.

What This Means For Meat Eaters In Idaho and Beyond

Before we get to the answer, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, shared with the Senate why this old menace has reappeared like an old supervillain.

The beef/meat industry has been stressed for quite some time. Low herds, bad medicine, droughts, and other factors have contributed to rising beef prices. Let's not forget gas prices and the consolidation of meat processing has created sticker shock for steak eaters.

Experts believe prices will not spike if the threat is dealt with now. The challenge is whether or not neutured flies can be produced enough to wipe out the screwworms already in America.

What Idaho is Doing To Prevent The Screwworm

The Idaho Capital Sun reports the Idaho State Department of Agriculture is now messing around with this one. They issued a requirement for animals entering the state. A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection must be produced before they're allowed in the state.

A Threat to Dogs and Cats?

The state told the Idaho Capital Sun the threat is real to our beloved four legged furry family members.

“Dogs and cats are just as susceptible to the pest as livestock, but pet owners may be less aware of the importance of thoroughly inspecting their pets for fly larvae that are very small and easy to miss,” said Scott Leibsle, Idaho state veterinarian. “Owners who do decide to travel with their pets to states affected by NWS will be required to get a health certificate, from a veterinarian in that state, within 5 days of their return to Idaho.”

We will continue to update you on this story as it develops.

8 Meats That Are Illegal to BBQ in Idaho

Listen, not that we think you’d ever actually want to throw any of these on the grill—but if you did, just know you'd be breaking the law and could face some serious fines or even jail time. Here are 8 meats that are illegal to have or possess at your BBQs in Idaho and most states in the nation.

Gallery Credit: Jordan Verge