Resources:  https://agr.georgia.gov/new-world-screwworm and screwworm.gov

 

In Georgia:  Suspected cases should be reported immediately to the Georgia Department of Agriculture's Animal Health Division at 404-656-3667 or AnimalHealth@agr.georgia.gov.

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Details on risk factors and what to look for in humans can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/new-world-screwworm/situation-summary/index.html

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SEE LOWER PAGE FOR IMAGES

 

It is hard to not have heard of the reports from Texas about cases of the New World Screwworm Fly (NSW).  As of June 8th there are 4 reported cases - three is cattle and one in a dog.  Why is this such a concern and why all the alarm?

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Reason 1:  This fly was eradicated in the 1970's from USA and Mexico through intensive efforts.  It return is cause for alarm because of the damage it can do to all mammals especially livestock and wildlife.

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Reason 2:  The reason this fly poses such a danger is because its larvae eats healthy tissue.  Other fly larvae  eat dead tissue cleaning wounds and secrete antibacterial substances HELPING wounds to heal and reducing infection (so much so that fly larvae are often used to help severe wound infections still today).  The NWS larvae, however, eat healthy tissue resulting in the wounds rapidly growing and increasing infection. It literally eats animals alive. 

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Reason 3:  ANY warm-blooded animal including humans can be infested with the NWS larvae so our pets, our horses, our livestock, our beloved wildlife friends, and even us can be affected.

So why do you need to do?  Be on the alert.  Especially if you have horses, livestock (pigs, goats, sheep, cows), or feed/manage feral cat colonies.  Rescue, shelter, and animal control staff are also more likely to encounter affected animals.  Hikers,  campers, and wildlife rehabilitators  (and DNR officials but they are already aware) may encounter affected wildlife.

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Where to look?  Around the eyes, nose, mouth, anus, genitalia, and mammary glands in nursing moms.  AND ESPECIALLY AROUND WOUNDS AND NAVELS in newborns.  Don't assume those cat fight wounds are ok - try to get a good look at them.  Look for wounds that won't heal or rapidly get worse. 

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If you see fly larvae in any of these areas try to get some (if the wound is deep try to get larvae from the deepest areas) and put them into rubbing alcohol.  If possible try to contain/confine the animal.  Call your local veterinarian AND state veterinarian AND department of agriculture ASAP.  Don't hesitate to call - better 100 false calls than one positive no call.  It cannot be stressed enough the potential damage and suffering these fly will cause to all animals. 

The good news is that most (all?) of the monthly (and longer) flea and tick preventatives used in small animals (dog, cat) will protect them from the NWS larvae but still be on the alert. 

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Main concern is livestock, wildlife and feral cats but just be on the alert on all the animals in your vicinity. 

See images below to help identify the New World Screwworm Fly and its larvae.