Now Reading: US takes motion in opposition to New World Screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite
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US takes motion in opposition to New World Screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite
US takes motion in opposition to New World Screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite
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Whereas the U.S. and Mexico should still be hashing out the tariff scenario, the nations are once more united on one widespread enemy: the New World Screwworm.
A parasite, the New World Screwworm, is definitely a fly. Feminine screwworm flies lay eggs in wounds or physique openings of mammals, together with cows, deer, birds, pets, and even people, that may result in a generally deadly an infection.
Right here within the U.S., the Agriculture Division eradicated the NWS parasite in 1966 by releasing sterile male flies and pupae to finally result in infertile screwworm flies, in line with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Well being Inspection Service. However a danger of it returning stays as a result of the parasite is present in each Central America and South America, and it might unfold north into Mexico.
In November 2024, America halted imports of Mexican livestock after the nation alerted the U.S. to a NWS detection in a cow at a inspection checkpoint near the Mexico border with Guatemala. Subsequently, the USDA elevated sterile fly deliveries and supported further surveillance applications, which led to livestock imports restarting in February 2025.
However not too long ago, relations grew to become strained in April when Mexico authorities started curbing 7-day flights of USDA planes dispersing sterile flies and imposing import duties on “important aviation elements, dispersal tools, and sterile fly shipments,” U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated in a letter to Esteban Moctezuma Barragán, Mexico’s ambassador to the U.S. Ambassador, dated April 26, 2025.
Mexico averted one other U.S. livestock ban final week by reaching a deal to permit further flights and to waive customized duties, Rollins stated April 30.
“I’m completely happy to share Mexico has continued to accomplice in emergency efforts to eradicate the New World Screwworm,” Rollins stated in a press launch. “This pest is a devastating risk to each of our economies, and I’m happy to work along with Mexico in good religion to guard the livelihoods of our ranchers and producers who would have been damage by this pest.”
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What’s the New World Screwworm?
Grownup screwworm flies are much like – or barely bigger than – the widespread housefly, however they’ve orange eyes, a metallic blue or inexperienced physique, and three darkish stripes alongside their backs, in line with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Well being Inspection Service (APHIS).
The parasite will get its title from how the larvae’s ensuing maggots, which as they feed on an animal will burrow, or screw, into the wound or opening, creating “in depth harm by tearing on the hosts’ tissue with sharp mouth hooks,” APHIS says.
After Mexico reported an contaminated cow, APHIS warned states alongside the southern border to observe their livestock and pets for indicators of an NWS parasite. APHIS and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Division listed some warning indicators in wildlife, birds and pets:
- Lack of urge for food
- Irritated habits
- Head shaking
- The odor of decay
- Isolation from different animals
This story was up to date to repair an inaccuracy.
Mike Snider is a reporter on USA TODAY’s Trending staff. You’ll be able to observe him on Threads, Bluesky, X and e-mail him at mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com
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