India, July 11 -- A bizarre and terrifying biological threat is creeping closer to the United States' borders: flesh-eating or 'man-eaters' maggots, which could soon invade a Texas town near the southern border. In response, the federal authorities are racing to contain what could become a $100 billion disaster for livestock, wildlife, and even humans.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the New World screwworm fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a serious threat to the US beef industry, as its larvae feed on living flesh. If not controlled, just one infected cow can perish within two weeks. The epicentre of the fightback? Edinburg, Texas, is home to the USDA's newly opened maggot-fighting facility.

The USDA's Animal ...