The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is urging residents and hunters in South Texas to remain vigilant for signs of New World Screwworm (NWS) infestations following a recent detection in a cow at a checkpoint in Chiapas, Mexico, near the Guatemalan border. The incident raises concerns about the northward spread of the parasitic pest through Central America and its potential impact on wildlife, livestock, and pets along the Texas border.

New World Screwworms are the larvae of the fly Cochliomyia hominivorax, which infest open wounds or natural orifices of warm-blooded animals. Once inside, the larvae burrow into tissue, causing severe damage and potentially fatal outcomes. Symptoms of NWS myiasis include irritated or depressed behavior, loss of appetite, head shaking, a strong smell of decaying flesh, the presence of maggots in wounds, and social isolation in affected animals.

Although the United States eradicated NWS in 1966, the parasite remains prevalent in Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and parts of South America. The recent case in Mexico has heightened the need for preventive measures and monitoring. In South Texas, residents are advised to carefully inspect wildlife, livestock, and pets for signs of infestation and to report any suspected cases immediately.

Preventative actions include thoroughly cleaning and covering all wounds, applying insect repellents, and staying alert in outdoor areas where the parasite might thrive. Dr. J. Hunter Reed, a wildlife veterinarian with TPWD, emphasized the critical role of public vigilance: “Those enjoying Texas’ natural resources have an opportunity to serve as the first line of defense in protecting wildlife, livestock, and human health.”

TPWD recommends consulting resources from the Texas Animal Health Commission, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on New World Screwworm and reporting procedures.

 

 

 

Geo All Day has an informational video about ongoing efforts that go into controlling the spread of the the flies from South America to North America:

 

 

 

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