New World screwworm, posing a threat to livestock and humans, has been detected in the USA. Authorities warn of risks to the livestock industry.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed a case of New World screwworm infection – a parasite whose larvae can feed on the tissue of live, warm-blooded animals. Following the pest’s detection, the department announced the commencement of measures to curb its spread.
This was reported by the publication Unilad.
The parasite was discovered in a three-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas. Larvae were found in the animal’s umbilical cord. Previously, flies, from which this parasite originates, were also observed near the southern U.S. border with Mexico.
The New World screwworm is the larval stage of a fly. The larvae enter the body through open wounds, after which they begin to feed on the tissue of a living animal. According to the American agency, without treatment, the infection can eventually lead to the host’s death.
Most often, the parasite poses a threat to livestock. It can also affect domestic animals, and in rare cases, humans. Experts note that the widespread proliferation of the screwworm could cause significant damage to the livestock sector. In particular, a severe outbreak could potentially impact the beef supply in the U.S.
Dudley Hoskins, Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, stated that specialists anticipated the parasite’s arrival in the country. According to him, forecasts indicated that the pest might enter the U.S. as early as 2025.
He also emphasized that protecting the livestock industry is a matter of national security, and the department has been investing in measures to combat the parasite for a long time, amid an increase in cases in Central America and Mexico.
The Ministry of Agriculture separately stressed that the New World screwworm does not affect meat after the slaughter of animals. The parasite also does not pose a threat to fruits, vegetables, or other food products.
In turn, Texas representative Don McLaughlin stated on social media that if a case is confirmed, he is prepared to cooperate with local, state, and federal authorities to counter the parasite’s spread.
As a reminder, earlier in Lviv, doctors performed a 12-hour surgery to save a 55-year-old patient whose liver was almost completely destroyed by a rare parasite that had grown almost to his heart.
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