NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – New Mexico officials and the cattle industry are getting ready as the New World Screwworm is getting closer to the U.S.–Mexico border. After the government eradicated the fly from the United States in the 60s, New Mexico’s state veterinarian said it’s concerning how quickly the pest has made its way back into Mexico.
“Most fly larvae that get into wounds on animals feed on the dead tissue. What makes screwworm different is that it actually feeds on live tissue,” said State Veterinarian with the New Mexico Livestock Board, Samantha Holeck.
New World Screwworm is a parasitic larva of the New World Screwworm fly. It’s getting closer and closer to the U.S.–Mexico border, with the most recent detection within 70 miles of the border in Nuevo León, Mexico.
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“That animal was treated, and the entire lot it arrived with was treated. And so hopefully, that was contained,” said Holeck. “For us, it doesn’t change our stance; we are still trying to prepare in case it does make it into our state. We are continuing to work on our plans for response and surveillance.”
This specific fly is an invasive pest that lays eggs in the living tissue of wounds in warm-blooded animals. Officials said things to watch out for are painful wounds that are not responding to treatment, as well as a foul odor. Holeck said they are preparing for a possible outbreak by educating the public.
“They will burrow into the healthy flesh and cause a much larger and very painful wound, and it can lead to secondary infection. In some cases, it can actually lead to the death of an animal,” said Holeck.
Holeck added they are educating not only the livestock industry about treatments and detection, but also pet owners and wildlife authorities.
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“This is something that will affect not just cattle, but all warm-blooded animals and people. We have also been working very closely with the Department of Health,” said Holeck.
Importing cattle from Mexico was suspended by the U.S. Government in May due to the outbreak in Mexico. Holeck said if there is a detection of the parasite in New Mexico, there would be restrictions on how animals are moved in and out of the state for production.
“As a producer, it’s going to make things rough. Movement of livestock is going to be hindered. It’s going to be hard,” said President of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association Bronson Corn.
There is a facility in Panama that produces sterile New World Screwworm flies to prevent them from populating. The United States is also looking to make its own facility in Texas.
“If we can avoid getting it here, if we can control it very quickly once it does arrive, that will be beneficial to everyone,” said Holeck.
Holeck said if you suspect an animal in your care has been infected with the New World Screwworm, contact your veterinarian.
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