CDC Responds to New World Screwworm Outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has initiated an emergency response regarding the New World screwworm following its discovery in livestock, which comes after many years of eradication efforts, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
On Wednesday, the Colorado Department of Agriculture implemented an emergency regulation to curb the spread of this species, particularly after sightings in nearby states. This new rule mandates testing for both livestock and pets to monitor the situation closely.
Reportedly, there have been at least six cases identified in cattle and goats in Texas, as well as instances among dogs in New Mexico. While infestations can be treated, they pose significant risks to the affected animals.
“Vigilance in monitoring flyworm disease is critical, and early detection is key,” the agency said in a recent announcement. They emphasized that while New World screwworm infestations are treatable, quick identification is crucial for effective recovery. Also noted was that the parasite does not threaten food safety, and the U.S. food supply remains secure.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking the lead in managing the livestock response, overseeing cattle monitoring and applying sterile flies to help curb the spread of screwworm maggots.
Even with the ongoing emergency, officials have reassured the public that human transmission of the disease is quite rare, with no recorded cases thus far. However, the CDC is reportedly preparing for potential human exposure, keeping the situation monitored.
The primary risk appears to be in areas where the screwworm is endemic, particularly for individuals with open wounds or those who interact with livestock regularly.
The New World screwworm was eradicated from the U.S. back in 1966, though an isolated outbreak occurred in Florida in September 2016 but was successfully eradicated again by March 2017.
This species of fly, however, continues to be endemic in places like Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and certain South American countries.
