The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed 12 New World screwworm (NWS) cases in Texas and New Mexico.
USDA and state officials have launched an immediate, coordinated One Health response to contain and eradicate the pest. Thanks to strong surveillance and rapid response programs, the current risk to animals and people in the United States remains very low.
NWS is primarily an animal health and farm operational issue, not a dairy product safety issue.
Find more information on the pest, federal and state coordinated responses, food safety, and suggested customer messaging below.
New World Screwworm
New World screwworm (NWS, Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a serious pest that affects livestock, pets, wildlife, and, less commonly, people and birds. Adult screwworm flies are about the size of a common housefly or slightly larger. Their larvae feed on the living tissue of warmblooded animals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is leading an aggressive response to keep NWS out of the United States.
Learn more in this USDA APHIS fact sheet.
Unified Government Response
USDA is leading a coordinated national response to contain and eradicate New World screwworm and prevent further spread. The effort includes federal, state, Tribal, local and territorial partners, as well as industry, veterinarians and public health officials.
Click here to see more...