There are now five confirmed cases of New World screwworm among animals in the United States, following the first infestation reported last week in Texas.
The affected animals include three calves and a goat in Texas, as well as a dog in the neighbouring state of New Mexico.
“We need the partnership of animal owners across the region — please stay vigilant, check your animals closely, and report anything that looks suspicious. Together, we can protect our livestock, our communities, and the health of animals nationwide,” said Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs.
What is the screwworm fly?
The screwworm is a species of parasitic fly that completes part of its lifecycle by feeding on the tissue and flesh of warm-blooded animals and humans.
