The United States is taking action to control the potential threat of an invasive flesh-eating parasite found in animals in Mexico. The New World screwworm fly could pose a “devastating threat” to economies and ranchers if it enters Texas.
Mexico and the United States reached an agreement on Wednesday, April 30, to resume eradication efforts on the New World screwworm fly, a species of parasitic fly that is well known for the way in which its larvae (maggots) eat the living tissue.
From the agreement, Mexico committed to eliminating restrictions on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) aircraft, allowing the agency to increase surveillance and to waive customs duties on eradication equipment aiding in the response efforts to the spread of the pest.
In the release, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins stated the pest is a “devastating threat to both of our economies.” He added, “I am pleased to work together with Mexico in good faith to protect the livelihoods of our ranchers and producers who would have been hurt by this pest.”
Back in December, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) warned the public about the parasite after it was detected in a cow at an inspection checkpoint in the Southern Mexico State of Chiapas, close to the border with Guatemala. In the United States, the parasite was eradicated in 1966, with costly efforts by federal and state animal health officials, livestock producers and veterinary practitioners.
New World Screwworm is a deadly parasitic fly that infests warm-blooded animals, causing severe wounds and complications that can lead to death, according to USDA.
The parasite primarily infests livestock but can also affect humans and wildlife, including deer and birds. The pest is currently considered widespread in Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and South American countries, according to TPWD.
Clinical signs of the parasite may include the following: irritated or depressed behavior, loss of appetite, head shaking, the smell of decaying flesh, the presence of fly maggots in wounds and isolation from other animals or people.
While it hasn’t been detected in Texas, officials are urging others to report suspected signs of New World Screwworm while in the field enjoying activities, such as hunting, bird watching or hiking. Livestock reports should be made to the Texas Animal Health Commission or USDA.