U.S. Pork Producers Advised of Risks Associated with New World Screwworm

Jun 16, 2025

A Swine Health Information Center American Association of Swine Veterinarians webinar set for Friday will examine the emerging risk posed by New World screwworm. New World screwworm, a parasitic fly whose larvae feeds on the living tissues of warm-blooded animals, primarily cattle but also pets, wildlife, occasionally birds and in rare cases humans, has historically found in South America and the Caribbean but over the last few years it has been identified in Central America and recently has been found as far North as Veracruz, Mexico.

A Swine Health Information Center American Association of Swine Veterinarians webinar set for Friday at 10:00 am central will examine the "Emerging Risk of New World screwworm and Efforts to Prevent Re-introduction into the U.S."SHIC Executive Director Dr. Megan Niederwerder says there's a couple of things North American producers and veterinarians should be looking out for.

Quote-Dr. Megan Niederwerder-Swine Health Information Center:

When we think about New World screwworm and its infestation into wounds, it's really important to be looking for maggots in wounds or other body openings.
This can be the mucus membranes of the nose, the ears, the genitalia.We also have to think about the umbilicus of newly born piglets.That can be a potential site of risk.We could also think about wounds from tail docking or also just general wounds that may be infested.

We also have to think about castration sites or surgical sites that may be at risk for that infestation.We also want to keep an eye out for any wounds that have bloody discharge or fowl odor, wounds that don't appear to be healing normally, so this that become deeper and large that don't make sense with regards to the normal healing process.These animals also typically show signs of pain so they may be isolated, they may have reduced food intake, they may have irritability or lethargy, less movement around the pens.So, we want to have an eye out for that.Again, if there are any suspected cases, that should be reported to state or federal animal health officials.

To register for the webinar, visit swinehealth.org.
Dr. Niederwerder notes a link to the recording will be posted to the web site following the webinar's conclusion.

Source : Farmscape.ca

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