New World Screwworm
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“ Unlike other maggots that feed on dead tissue, NWS larvae burrow deep into living flesh, making infestations particularly painful and dangerous,” explained Dr. Julia Herman, NCBA Beef Cattle Specialist Veterinarian.“ This pest affects all warm-blooded animals— cattle, humans, pets, wildlife and other livestock species.”
Dr. Herman recommends producers take practical steps now,“ We have great resources on the NCBA website. But the most important thing is working closely with your veterinarian. Screwworm is a foreign animal disease, so if it enters the U. S., it will be treated as such. Preparing now with enhanced animal care and biosecurity protocols is the most proactive step producers can take.”
Preparation Tips for Producers
Ensure you have an established relationship with a veterinarian.
Consider husbandry practices and potential timelines for recovery( birthing, dehorning, branding, castrations).
As the livestock industry faces evolving challenges, the legacy of the screwworm fight offers a powerful lesson: science, vigilance and community action can overcome even the most insidious threats.
“ We’ ve got more tools now,” McCan said.“ If it comes back, we’ ll be ready. But we’ ve got to stay educated and stay ahead. We’ ve got to be prepared.”
McCan is urging producers and wildlife managers to collaborate more closely in the face of potential threats.
“ We can’ t control wildlife movement like we can cattle,” he explained.“ That’ s why coordination is critical. In South Texas, hunting isn’ t just a pastime— it’ s often a primary source of income. If screwworms return, they could devastate the recreational hunting industry and jeopardize the financial stability of many ranches.”
He speaks from experience and recalled,“ When I was a young man in the’ 60s, we didn’ t have many white-tailed deer. But after screwworm was eradicated in the early’ 70s, their numbers exploded. That’ s when we started our first hunting leases.”
Adding to the challenge are feral hogs, which McCan describes as a growing concern,“ They’ re invasive and could carry screwworms. We’ ll need new carcass removal strategies and tighter surveillance to stay ahead of the threat.”
From ranch management to wildlife oversight, McCan’ s message is clear: preparedness and partnership are essential. He warned,“ We’ ve got to stay educated and stay ahead. We’ ve got to be prepared.”
Teamwork
As the threat of New World screwworm looms, NCBA is taking a proactive stance to ensure the U. S. cattle industry is prepared and protected. One of NCBA’ s greatest strengths lies in its ability to unify stakeholders and influence federal policy to support producers nationwide. This capacity for coordination is especially critical in the face of potential animal health emergencies.
Think it ' s Screwworm? Here ' s what to do.
Consider potential fly control options for your premises.
Establish clear movement and biosecurity practices.
Contact your veterinarian.
Seek treatment for your cattle ASAP.
Do not move your suspected cattle, except to bring them to the vet.
If producers notice suspicious maggots, especially on live animals, they should immediately contact their veterinarian to submit a sample and activate biosecurity protocols.
McCan also highlighted the need to revisit certain management practices and said,“ We may need to look at different methods of castration, like banding. We calve in the fall, originally because of screwworm concerns back in the’ 60s. You don’ t want calves born during the warmest part of the year when screwworm risk is highest. Every operation is different, but there are things we can all do to mitigate risk.”
Keep your cattle in a safe contained space.
Spray down potentially infested areas with pesticide / insect sprays.
Collect any maggot-like specimens and save them in rubbing alcohol.
Wear gloves to protect yourself.
8 NATIONAL CATTLEMEN DIRECTIONS 2025