New World Screwworm Threatens U.S. Livestock and Human Health Amid Mexican Outbreak
The New World Screwworm fly, previously eradicated since 1966, is resurfacing as a concern following outbreaks in Mexico. This has led to the U.S. halting imports of cattle, horses, and bison. The larvae can cause severe infections in livestock and, in rare cases, humans. Increased awareness and precautions are essential to prevent another outbreak.
The New World Screwworm (NWS), a once-eradicated fly species in the U.S., is making headlines again, raising alarms about its potential threat to American livestock and even humans. This concern springs from a recent outbreak in Mexico that has led to immediate action, including a halt on imports of cattle, horses, and bison at southern border ports, as announced by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins on social media.
Secretary Rollins emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Due to the threat of New World Screwworm, I am announcing the suspension of live cattle, horse, and bison imports. This is effective immediately.” The last significant infestation caused devastating harm to the cattle industry, taking some three decades to recover fully.
The New World Screwworm fly thrives in regions like Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and parts of South America. As detailed by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), these flies are drawn to livestock found in open pastures, where they lay eggs in wounds. The resulting larvae, or maggots, burrow into the flesh, potentially leading to lethal infections.
The name “Screwworm” stems from the way the larvae penetrate flesh, resembling a screw being driven into wood. According to APHIS, “Maggots cause extensive damage by tearing at the hosts’ tissue with sharp mouth hooks,” further aggravating wounds and attracting more flies to lay eggs.
Though rare, these larvae can also infest humans, prompting significant health risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that myiasis, the parasitic infection of human tissue by fly larvae, can cause severe pain and potentially fatal effects.
Travelers to endemic areas, especially those interacting with livestock or with open wounds, face heightened risks. “Wounds as small as a tick bite may attract a female to feed,” as noted by the CDC, emphasizing caution for immunocompromised individuals, the young, elderly, or those recently operated on.
The consequences of an outbreak within the United States could be dire—not only affecting livestock and pets but potentially humans as well. The USDA reports significant financial losses—estimated between $50 million and $100 million annually for livestock producers back in the 1950s and 1960s due to NWS. The record highlights how the geography and density of livestock in the Southwest became pivotal to the fly’s survival and subsequent outbreak potential.
Although the USDA successfully eradicated the NWS in 1966, a containment incident occurred in 2016 within the Florida Keys, impacting mainly the local endangered deer population. Fortunately, that was swiftly addressed by March 2017, but the risk remains. Given this recent outbreak’s proximity, vigilance is essential.
The current concern underscores the critical need for ongoing surveillance and preventive measures to guard against potential re-emergence of the New World Screwworm in the United States. The past losses were significant, and all stakeholders are unnerved by the chance of history repeating itself, particularly as the health of livestock remains crucial to the agricultural economy.
It’s a precarious situation, and as USDA and health officials scramble to fortify borders, the agriculture community is left weighing the stakes and preparing for the possibilities ahead.
The resurgence of the New World Screwworm poses a significant threat to livestock and human health. With recent outbreaks noted in neighboring Mexico, U.S. authorities have taken precautionary measures to prevent potential infestations. Past experiences highlight economic losses from previous infestations, and vigilance among travelers and citizens will be crucial in combating the risk of this invasive pest. The looming possibility of widespread impacts warrants serious attention from all involved.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
