US Screwworm Outbreak Spreads As Canada Bans Texas Cattle

“The flesh-eating larvae of this parasitic fly threatens the lives of its host animals,” the agency said in a statement. “While our colder climate is not hospitable for the long-term establishment of the fly in Canada, they can survive shorter periods of time in the summer months.

” The agency urged animal owners and veterinarians to look out for signs of screwworm infestations in livestock, including wounds that worsen over time, discharge and foul odor. Canadians travelling to Texas with their pets are encouraged to “remain vigilant and inspect their pets regularly for any signs,” the agency said.

What Is Screwworm? The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, causing severe and sometimes fatal wounds. Female flies lay eggs in open wounds or body openings, hatching maggots that burrow into flesh.

Unlike most maggots that feed on dead tissue, screwworm larvae consume healthy tissue, making infestations particularly dangerous. The parasite primarily affects livestock, but can also infect wildlife, pets and, in rare cases, humans. How Does New World Screwworm Spread?

The parasite spreads primarily through the movement of infested animals. Livestock trade, wildlife migration, and cross-border animal movement can all contribute to its spread. The pests can infest people and pets as well, but the risk to humans is low.

New World Screwworm Symptoms Infected animals often have painful, worsening wounds that may emit a foul odor and fail to heal. Visible larvae in wounds, unusual discharge, and signs of distress are other potential indicators. If untreated, the infestation can lead to severe tissue damage, secondary infections, and even death.

In rare human cases, symptoms include painful skin lesions and the sensation of movement within the wound, and if the wound becomes infected, fever and chills can be secondary symptoms. What To Look Out For In Pets Dogs and cats are among the animals that can become infested if exposed.

Screwworm flies are attracted to even very small wounds, laying eggs that hatch into larvae within hours. Pet owners should watch closely for any wound that appears to worsen rather than heal, particularly if it becomes painful, swollen or starts to smell.

Early signs of a potential screwworm infestation include persistent licking or biting at a specific spot, discharge or bleeding from a sore, and—more seriously—visible larvae or a sensation of movement inside the wound. Because the parasite can develop quickly, vets say even small cuts or insect bites should be checked and treated promptly, especially in animals that have traveled to or come from higher-risk regions.

"Visual inspection is the primary way that infected animals are identified. The disease is very treatable, and the sooner affected animals are seen and treated by their veterinarians, the less the chance of further spread to additional animals," Sally DeNotta, a leading expert in infectious disease in equine internal medicine at the University of Florida, told Newsweek.

"Owners should inspect their animals and livestock for wounds that are not healing appropriately or appear to be infected with maggots. "NWS-infected wounds are quite painful, and animals are often particularly bothered by the sites of infection.

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[Just the News] Gov Abbott says New World Screwworm causing no confirmed food safety issues in Texas Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Friday that "there is no food safety issue” after the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the first case of the New World Screwworm in South Texas in a bovine in Zavala County.

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[BBC News] Canada bans Texas cattle over flesh-eating screwworm outbreak in US The ban came as a second infected calf was identified in Texas, and the US state declaring a state of disaster over the outbreak.