Arizona Confirms First New World Screwworm Case in Cochise County
A press release from the Arizona Department of Agriculture confirms the state's first case of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Cochise County. This is a very serious development for ranchers, livestock owners and animal health people.
USDA samples taken from a dog in the county were tested at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, and confirmed to be the New World Screwworm. APHIS is working in close co-operation with the Arizona Department of Agriculture to deal with the situation.
The finding comes after previous reports of increasing concern about the parasite moving north from Mexico.
Why This Pest Is Drawing Attention
The New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a concern for both pet and livestock owners in Arizona. Unlike ordinary maggots that feed on dead tissue, New World Screwworm larvae attack living flesh.
Female flies lay eggs in open wounds, and after they hatch, the larvae burrow deeper into healthy tissue. This can cause painful and potentially fatal infestations in livestock, wildlife, pets, and, in rare cases, people.
In Cochise County, ranching is still a major part of the local economy, so the implications of an outbreak could be quite serious. You could have animal deaths, you could have expensive treatments, you could have movement restrictions, and ultimately, it could lead to a very significant loss of income for the producer.
Vigilance Will Be Critical
State and federal agriculture officials advise livestock owners to closely inspect their animals. Look for unusual wounds, signs of infection (especially around open sores), and maggot infestations. Officials stress early detection as a critical, effective defense against the parasite's spread.
Experts say a single confirmed case doesn't necessarily mean that we're in the midst of an outbreak or that an outbreak is even imminent. It does, however, serve as a wake-up
call to the agricultural community in Arizona to remain on the lookout for this one of North America's most devastating animal pests and to take steps to protect their livestock and wildlife.
Life Cycle Of The New World Screwworm
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