EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection El Paso sector is warning about the threat of the New World Screwworm to the regional livestock industry.
Importation of live cattle from Mexico was recently suspended by the U.S. Government in May due to the screwworm outbreak in the central region of Mexico.
This has impacted operations at the Santa Teresa, NM, port of entry, as it is the “largest livestock border crossing” in the U.S.
“NWS (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is an invasive pest. The female adult fly lays eggs in the living tissue of fresh wounds in warm-blooded animals. The larvae (maggots)feed on the host causing the animal to become systemically ill from secondary bacterial infections. NWS can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, occasionally birds, and–in rare cases–humans. NWS is not contagious from animal to animal.”
US CBP
CBP says renewed attention to the parasite is crucial as it may pose future risks to livestock and wildlife.
Adult screwworm flies are about the size of a common housefly and they have orange eyes, a metallic blue or green body, and three dark stripes along their backs.
Report livestock and wild animals with the following signs:
- Irritated behavior
- Head shaking
- The smell of decay
- Presence of fly larvae in wounds
Producers or owners who suspect an animal disease should contact their veterinarian to evaluate the animals. To find an accredited veterinarian, visit USDA:
Animal health professionals should report cases of NWS as directed by
For more information on the NWS please visit: New World Screwworm
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