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Texas Livestock Under Threat from Invasive Screw Worms

A highly contagious parasitic infestation affecting livestock is raising‍ concerns ⁣in the United States, particularly in⁣ texas. The ‌outbreak, ‌caused by the New World screwworm fly, has ⁣prompted increased monitoring⁢ and⁣ potential​ economic repercussions.

The United States Department of Agriculture‍ (USDA)​ has reported⁤ no confirmed⁤ cases of animal injury related to the screwworm‌ this year. However, the potential economic​ impact of ​an outbreak, especially in Texas ⁣- the state with the largest ​livestock population‍ in the US – is estimated at ‍$1.8⁣ billion. This figure‍ encompasses losses in livestock, ⁣employment costs, and veterinary expenses.

Officials in Maryland’s ⁤Ministry of​ Health have ​yet to comment on the situation. ⁤

What are Screwworms?

• Screwworms are the larvae of the screwworm fly, a parasitic insect that deposits it’s eggs in the open wounds of warm-blooded animals.
• Upon hatching, hundreds of larvae burrow into the living flesh of the host animal, feeding and causing ​significant ⁤tissue damage. If left untreated, this can lead⁤ to the animal’s death. The larvae’s ⁤method of burrowing resembles the action‍ of screwing into wood.
• While⁣ primarily affecting livestock and wildlife,‍ screwworm infections can, though rarely, occur in humans and can be fatal‍ in‌ both‌ animals and people.
• Treatment involves the painstaking removal of ⁢all larvae from the wounds, followed by ⁣thorough disinfection. Early intervention ‍significantly increases the chances of survival.

The screwworm was eradicated from the United States in 1987 ‍through⁢ a decades-long cooperative program ‍between the US‍ and Mexico involving the sterile insect technique (SIT).​ This technique ​releases sterilized male flies into the wild, wich mate with wild females,⁤ resulting in infertile eggs and ‌a decline ⁢in the screwworm population. Recent ​detections in the US, however,⁣ signal ​a resurgence of the parasite, potentially linked to cases in Mexico.

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection​ Service (APHIS) is ​actively working to contain the current outbreak and prevent further spread. This includes surveillance, quarantine measures, ‌and​ the continued request of the sterile insect technique.