Announcement ·
The New World Screwworm has been detected in five Texas counties but not yet in Caldwell County. Watch livestock and pets for non-healing wounds, and report suspected cases.
The New World Screwworm has been in the news lately, with confirmed detections of the insect in five Texas counties, according to the USDA.
The parasitic fly, which feeds on the tissues of warm-blooded animals, is a serious pest of livestock and wildlife. It has not yet been reported in Caldwell County as of the evening of June 12.
Early detection is key. Watch for unusual wounds that do not heal, wounds containing visible larvae (maggots), or signs of infection in livestock and pets.
Suspected cases in wildlife should be reported to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Suspected cases in livestock should be reported to the Texas Animal Health Commission.
For more information and to track its whereabouts, visit Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s New World Screwworm webpage.