New Infectious Parasitic Worm Threatens Texas Livestock

New Infectious Worm Threatens Texas

New year, new fear unlocked: dangerous parasitic worm.

The New World Screwworm has the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) warning residents to keep an eye out for their animals who may have been infected.

What Is the New World Screwworm?

Not to be gross, but the New World Screwworm is the larva or maggot of the New World Screwworm fly.

According to TPWD, these flies lay their eggs in open wounds or soft tissues like:

• nostrils,
• eyes, or
• mouths of live animals

Once the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the flesh using sharp mouth hooks, causing painful infections.

At one point in the 60s, the parasite was wiped out in the United States however, it still remains in parts of the Caribbean and South America. Recently, Mexican authorities confirmed a positive case of New World Screwworm in a cow, prompting U.S. officials to issue warnings.

Who’s at Risk?

Livestock are most at risk, but screwworms can also infest pets, birds, and even humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If left untreated, these infections can cause severe tissue damage and lead to secondary bacterial infections.

Signs of Screwworm Infection

TPWD advises Texans to look for the following signs in animals:

• Irritated or depressed behavior
• Loss of appetite
• Head shaking
• Foul smell of decaying flesh
• Presence of fly larvae in wounds
• Isolation from other animals or people

How to Protect Animals

Prevention is key to avoiding screwworm infections. TPWD recommends:

• Cleaning and covering wounds promptly
• Applying insect repellents
• Staying alert, especially when traveling to areas where screwworms are more common

Reporting Suspected Cases

If you suspect an infection in livestock, contact the Texas Animal Health Commission or the U.S. Department of Agriculture.