**Ongoing containment of the 2026 New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) outbreak, with 53 confirmed U.S. animal cases since the first detection on June 3 (mostly Texas livestock, 2–3 active as of mid-October), has driven trader focus on whether a federal national emergency will be declared.** USDA-APHIS and state partners report extensive surveillance (nearly 1,000 samples tested), sterile fly releases, infested zone adjustments, and partial southern port reopenings guided by inspection data. An August 2025 HHS determination enabled FDA emergency use authorizations for animal drugs in 2026, while Texas renewed statewide disaster proclamations and Colorado updated import rules. CDC assesses very low risk to the general U.S. population and low risk in affected areas, with no domestically acquired human cases. Low active case counts and effective response measures relative to historical outbreaks create uncertainty around escalation to a broader national emergency declaration, with upcoming surveillance updates and model runs likely to influence sentiment.