The Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) are urging the public to be vigilant and stay informed about New World Screwworm (NWS). NWS (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a fly that lays eggs in wounds of any warm-blooded animal. The eggs hatch into larvae, commonly referred to as maggots, which feed on living tissue causing severe injury to and potential death of infested animals. This feeding behavior contrasts with the larvae of our local fly populations that will only feed on dead or decaying tissue. The NWS fly was eradicated from the United States in 1966, and its recent return has the potential to cause significant disruption and economic damage to the livestock industry.
As a pest of all warm-blooded animals, NWS can infest livestock, wildlife, poultry and other birds, dogs, cats, small mammals and humans. Livestock and animal owners should monitor animals for wounds and for signs of larvae infestation. Wounds with evidence of larval presence should be reported to your local veterinarian or DOL for follow-up. NWS is not a food safety issue and there is no need to stop or limit consumption of beef, pork, poultry, dairy, eggs or other livestock products.
Confirmed cases of NWS are currently localized to Texas and New Mexico. Operating with an abundance of caution, DOL has enacted an official order. This proactive measure increases entry requirements for all animals entering Montana from these affected states.
Source : mt.gov