Preparation Efforts for New World Screwworm Outbreak

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently carried out a simulation to get ready for a possible outbreak of the New World screwworm (NWS), a parasitic larva that primarily affects cattle.

This month, DHS collaborated with federal partners to conduct a two-part exercise aimed at enhancing the nation’s readiness for emerging threats to animal and public health. The Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Department of the Interior (DOI) joined in this effort, which involved three simulated scenarios of a potential NWS outbreak.

NWS can infect not just domestic animals but also birds and, in some cases, humans. These larvae burrow into living tissue and lay eggs, leading to severe damage. Officials are concerned that recent cases near the southern U.S. border may pose a serious threat to the American beef industry, reminiscent of the devastating outbreaks seen decades ago.

“Food security is national security, and it’s crucial to take steps to safeguard the American populace,” stated DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. “If a country can’t sustain its own food supply, then it can’t really ensure its protection.”

This exercise was unprecedented for DHS, according to Dr. Sean Conley, the acting chief medical officer. He emphasized that it provided a foundation for sharing operational insights and highlights the critical decision-making necessary for an effective response.

The simulation explored three key transmission scenarios: illegal cattle smuggling, wild animal transmission, and the spread through infected human wounds, with various participants from federal, state, local, and tribal levels present. The Trump administration tackled NWS threats extensively last year, stopping imports several times and announcing the establishment of a unique domestic laboratory in Texas.

Reports from the livestock industry indicate that NWS outbreaks can be catastrophic. Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, noted the severe suffering inflicted on animals, which compounds the distress caused by these outbreaks. “While Mother Nature has been kind to us, this remains a serious issue for our industry,” he added.

Steven Diebel from the Texas and Southwest Livestock Association expressed that despite the challenges presented by the screwworms, there are effective solutions to address the problem. It’s worth mentioning that livestock producers have faced substantial financial losses due to NWS in the past.

“New World screwworms pose a risk not just to livestock—birds and humans are also vulnerable. Thus, a coordinated response at all levels is essential for bolstering our preparedness,” remarked Maj. Gen. Michael Schmoyer from USDA. He acknowledged that this exercise is just one element of broader preparedness strategies designed to plug gaps and encourage collaboration in case NWS reaches U.S. shores.