A company working to stop the spread of the New World screwworm has chosen Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio as the site for major new research, a project expected to bring 40 jobs and support efforts to protect Texas livestock, wildlife and pets.

The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly that feeds on the tissue of warm-blooded animals.

It poses a serious threat to cattle, other livestock, wildlife and household pets, making containment and eradication efforts a priority for scientists and agriculture leaders.