With new cases of New World screwworm confirmed in a dog in Lea County, New Mexico and a goat in Gillespie County Monday, June 8, USDA officials are emphasizing the need for ongoing surveillance and reporting as the United States works to contain the rapidly spreading parasite.
For those unfamiliar with NWS, it is a parasitic fly that only feeds on living tissue of warm-blooded animals, laying eggs in open wounds or mucus membranes. If left untreated, an animal can succumb to the infestation within seven to 14 days.
Dr. Bain Wilson, rancher education and outreach manager for Ranchbot Monitoring Solutions, said the speed at which the larvae develop makes routine animal inspections critical.
PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT. Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news.
Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today!
