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.'
Unlike common maggots that feed on dead tissue, New World screwworm larvae burrow into healthy tissue, creating painful wounds that can quickly worsen if left untreated.
Farm Bureau officials said animal owners should watch for wounds that appear larger than expected, fail to heal properly or produce drainage or a foul odor. Other warning signs include animals showing irritation around a wound, loss of appetite, isolation from the herd or flock, or excessive head shaking.
Because screwworm flies are attracted to open wounds, livestock owners are encouraged to closely monitor animals with cuts, scratches, tick bites and other injuries. Prompt wound care and consultation with a veterinarian can help reduce the risk of infestation and improve outcomes if a case is detected. Bandera County Farm Bureau encourages farmers, ranchers and pet owners to make routine animal inspections part of their regular management practices.
'Taking a few minutes to check animals can help identify potential problems early and support ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of the pest,' Young said. 'The sooner a suspected case is identified and investigated, the better the opportunity to contain and eradicate New World screwworm.'
Suspected infestations in livestock or pets should be reported to the Texas Animal Health Commission at 800-550-8242.
Suspected infestations in wildlife should be reported to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Additional information, situation updates and reporting resources are available at screwworm.gov.
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