Texas Confirms New World Screwworm in Cattle, Goats as Tennessee Expert Says Animals Can Recover
Updated
Updated · WCHS · Jun 16
Texas Confirms New World Screwworm in Cattle, Goats as Tennessee Expert Says Animals Can Recover
3 articles · Updated · WCHS · Jun 16
Summary
Texas cases in cattle and goats have renewed concern over New World screwworm, but University of Tennessee entomologist Becky Trout Fryxell said infested animals can be treated and do not need to be euthanized.
Open wounds drive the risk: the adult fly lays eggs in cuts, and the larvae feed on living tissue, making early wound checks and prompt veterinary care the best defense.
Many mammals can be affected — including pets, wildlife and humans — though Fryxell said human infections are uncommon and usually involve untreated wounds.
U.S. officials have eradicated the pest before, including after a 2016 Florida outbreak in endangered Key deer, using treatment, quarantine zones and sterile-fly releases.
Tennessee has not detected the fly, but farmers are watching closely because a wider outbreak could tighten cattle supplies further and lift already high beef prices.