Farm Bureau urges animal owners to watch for New World screwworm

The Bandera County Farm Bureau is urging livestock owners, pet owners and other Texans to routinely inspect their animals for signs of New World screwworm and report any suspected cases immediately.

New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Infestations can affect cattle, horses, sheep, goats, wildlife, pets and, in rare cases, humans.

'Early detection and reporting are critical to stopping the spread of New World screwworm,' Bandera County Farm Bureau President Booker Young said. 'We encourage animal owners to routinely check their animals and contact animal health officials if they suspect an infestation.'