Rare Case of Human Screwworm Confirmed in Maryland
#screwworm #livestock #biosecurity
Learn about the potential threat this parasite poses to the beef industry and the preventative measures in place to control its spread.
The term "New World Screwworm" (NWS) primarily refers to the parasitic fly species *Cochliomyia hominivorax* rather than an organization. However, multiple international and governmental organizations are actively involved in the control, prevention, and eradication of NWS due to its severe impact on livestock and animal health. These entities include the USDA-APHIS (United States Department of Agriculture - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and regional commissions such as the Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm (COPEG). NWS larvae cause obligatory myiasis by feeding on the living flesh of warm-blooded animals, including livestock, wildlife, and occasionally humans. This infestation leads to severe tissue damage, substantial economic losses in agriculture, and animal suffering. Historically, the fly caused millions of dollars in losses annually in the Americas, with outbreaks reported as far north as the southern United States in the early 20th century[1][2][3]. Key achievements in combating NWS include the development and successful implementation of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), a biological control method pioneered through international cooperation. This technique involves releasing sterilized male flies to interrupt reproduction, which led to the eradication of NWS from the United States by 1966 and containment of outbreaks in regions like the Florida Keys as recently as 2017. The USDA-APHIS and IAEA continue to support eradication and surveillance programs in endemic areas of South America, the Caribbean, and Central America to prevent northward spread[6][8]. The current status remains that NWS is endemic in parts of South America, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, with sporadic reemergence risks in Central America and Mexico. Vigilance persists due to the potential for reintroduction, especially as livestock and military working animals travel between regions. Organizations emphasize prevention through early detection, veterinary inspection
#screwworm #livestock #biosecurity
Learn about the potential threat this parasite poses to the beef industry and the preventative measures in place to control its spread.