Flesh-eating Parasite Resurfaces in the States: First Case Detected in Texas
The United States has recorded its first case of a flesh-consuming parasite that thrives on warm-blooded creatures, the first sighting of the creature since 1966.
The parasite, known as the New World Screwworm (NWS), has been slowly making its way across Mexico over the past year. Recently, the presence of this destructive creature was confirmed in a calf located in Texas, as announced by the US Department of Agriculture.
Anticipating the Arrival of the Screwworm
Efforts have been ongoing to prevent the screwworm from invading the US, especially since its cases started to rise in Central America and Mexico.
The confirmed case was in La Pryor, Texas, a town roughly 30 miles away from the southern US-Mexico border. The potential of an outbreak has caused anxiety among cattle ranchers, who worry it could lead to a reduction in their herds, decreasing beef production and resulting in higher prices for consumers.
Understanding the Screwworm
Screwworms are parasitic flies. The females of the species lay their eggs in the open wounds and mucous membranes of animals. As the eggs hatch, hundreds of larvae use their sharp mouths to burrow through the living flesh, which can eventually lead to the death of the host if left untreated.
While NWS can also infest humans and pets, the risk to humans is relatively low, and instances of human infestation are scarce. Moreover, the fly does not pose any food safety concerns.
Quarantine Measures
The first case of NWS in six decades was confirmed in a three-week-old calf, where larvae were discovered in its umbilical area.
The most common way for NWS to spread is through the movement of infested animals. To counter this, the USDA along with Texas authorities are setting up a detection and quarantine zone spanning approximately 12.4 miles.
In addition to this, plans are being made to release millions of sterilized screwworm flies. This is a viable solution as the female flies mate only once in their lifetime. Therefore, any eggs they lay post sterilization will be unfertilized and will not hatch.
Preparing for the Worst
The USDA has been bracing for a potential outbreak for a while now. Their efforts have managed to delay the arrival of the parasite by a year.
The Agriculture Secretary has reassured ranchers that USDA personnel are already in South Texas to assist with operations. She has also urged livestock producers to stay alert and vigilant.
The United States has recorded its first case of a flesh-consuming parasite that thrives on warm-blooded creatures, the first sighting of the creature since 1966.
The parasite, known as the New World Screwworm (NWS), has been slowly making its way across Mexico over the past year. Recently, the presence of this destructive creature was confirmed in a calf located in Texas, as announced by the US Department of Agriculture.
Anticipating the Arrival of the Screwworm
Efforts have been ongoing to prevent the screwworm from invading the US, especially since its cases started to rise in Central America and Mexico.
The confirmed case was in La Pryor, Texas, a town roughly 30 miles away from the southern US-Mexico border. The potential of an outbreak has caused anxiety among cattle ranchers, who worry it could lead to a reduction in their herds, decreasing beef production and resulting in higher prices for consumers.
Understanding the Screwworm
Screwworms are parasitic flies. The females of the species lay their eggs in the open wounds and mucous membranes of animals. As the eggs hatch, hundreds of larvae use their sharp mouths to burrow through the living flesh, which can eventually lead to the death of the host if left untreated.
While NWS can also infest humans and pets, the risk to humans is relatively low, and instances of human infestation are scarce. Moreover, the fly does not pose any food safety concerns.
Quarantine Measures
The first case of NWS in six decades was confirmed in a three-week-old calf, where larvae were discovered in its umbilical area.
The most common way for NWS to spread is through the movement of infested animals. To counter this, the USDA along with Texas authorities are setting up a detection and quarantine zone spanning approximately 12.4 miles.
In addition to this, plans are being made to release millions of sterilized screwworm flies. This is a viable solution as the female flies mate only once in their lifetime. Therefore, any eggs they lay post sterilization will be unfertilized and will not hatch.
Preparing for the Worst
The USDA has been bracing for a potential outbreak for a while now. Their efforts have managed to delay the arrival of the parasite by a year.
The Agriculture Secretary has reassured ranchers that USDA personnel are already in South Texas to assist with operations. She has also urged livestock producers to stay alert and vigilant.