USDA Publishes New World Screwworm Information Page
Due to the recent news about the migration of the New World Screwworm in Mexico, the United States Department of Agriculture has launched an informational page to help answer questions from veterinarians and livestock owners. The NWS has not been detected in the United States, but its movement north in central America makes it a threat to the US livestock industry.
The informational page can be found HERE.
New World Screwworm (NWS) infestation can cause devasting injury when the fly lays eggs on a wound for exposed tissue and the hatched fly larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of a living animal. They can cause serious, often deadly injury and can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, occasionally birds, and in rare cases, people.
New World Screwworm fly. Courtesy of USDA-APHIS | New World Screwworm maggot. Courtesy of USDA-APHIS |
Live animal imports through the southern border were suspended by the USDA in May. This import suspension will persist on a month-by-month basis, until a significant NWS containment is achieved. USDA will continue constant collaboration with Mexico and countries in Central America.
The USDA webpage provides information on what to look for, how to prevent this disease, and how it is treated. The webpage also displays the current status of NWS in Mexico and Central America.
To read more about New World Screwworm go to the EDCC NWS webpage HERE.