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Southern Texas on High Alert After Discovery of New World Screwworm in Mexico
In a concerning development, U.S. officials are raising alarms over the potential return of the New World Screwworm (NWS), a flesh-eating parasite that was thought to be eradicated in the United States since 1966. A recent detection of the pest in southern Mexico, near the Guatemala border, has sparked renewed fears about its re-emergence in the U.S.
The screwworm was discovered in a cow in Mexico, prompting Texas Parks and Wildlife to issue a warning to residents in southern Texas. Officials are urging hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and those with livestock or pets to be vigilant and report any suspicious signs of infection.
“As a protective measure, animal health officials are asking individuals along the southern Texas border to monitor wildlife, livestock, and pets for potential signs of NWS,” the agency stated in a press release on Dec. 30. “If you notice any unusual symptoms, please report them immediately.”
The New World Screwworm was successfully eradicated from the U.S. in 1966 and from Mexico in 1991 through extensive control programs. However, the parasite still poses a significant threat in parts of the Caribbean, including Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and South America. Recent reports indicate that it is once again spreading northward.
Although the NWS is primarily known for affecting livestock, it can also infest wildlife, pets, and even humans. The parasite’s larvae, or maggots, are known for their sharp mouth hooks, which they use to latch onto open wounds or living tissue. The larvae feed on the flesh of living animals, which can cause severe tissue damage and even death in untreated cases.
Symptoms of a New World Screwworm infestation in animals include:
- Irritated or depressed behavior
- Loss of appetite
- Head shaking
- The smell of decaying flesh emanating from wounds
- The presence of fly larvae (maggots) in wounds
- Isolation from other animals or people
According to Texas officials, the infection, known as NWS myiasis, begins when female NWS flies detect the odor of a wound or natural opening on a warm-bodied animal. They lay up to 300 eggs in the exposed tissue, and once the larvae hatch, they burrow into the wound and begin feeding on the flesh.
The NWS fly is about twice the size of a typical house fly, making it more noticeable to those who may be spending time outdoors. The infection is particularly dangerous for livestock, as untreated wounds can lead to the animal’s death. Officials are advising all residents of southern Texas to cover any wounds and apply insect repellent when outdoors as a preventive measure.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture continues to monitor the situation closely, and state health officials are preparing to implement control measures if the parasite is found in the U.S. again.
