What is New World screwworm?
The New World screwworm (NWS) is the larva of a fly that was eradicated from the United States in the 1960’s. The fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax, has been travelling through Central America for the past several years and has reappeared in the U.S. in recent months. Whereas typical blowflies lay eggs on dead animals, and the developing larvae, known as maggots, eat the carcass, NWS lays its eggs in wounds on living animals and the larvae burrow into living flesh of cattle and other livestock. This causes serious damage and sometimes death of the infected animal.
Where are the nearest cases?
As of July 15, the U.S. has recorded 37 total cases of NWS since the first one was confirmed June 3, but nearly all of them were in the central-southwest portion of Texas, with one case confirmed in New Mexico. All of the cases were found in livestock, except two infections in dogs.
Does it pose a threat to our food supply?
No. While the screwworm can cause immense damage in livestock due to the burrowing of the larvae into the flesh of the animal, the food supply is safe because NWS does not affect the quality of meat or meat products. The NWS also does not affect packaged milk or dairy products, and the fly does not lay eggs on vegetables or other non-tissue surfaces.
Source : msstate.edu