The chief veterinary officer of Mexico notified the USDA of a positive detection of New World Screwworm in a cow in the state of Chiapas, Mexico.
Following the detection, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service limited cattle imports from Mexico, pending further information on the scope of the infestation. The screwworm is a fly larva that infects the tissue of warm-blooded animals, including humans, feeding on flesh.
“With this latest find in Mexico, we will further intensify this work to protect American agriculture and reestablish the barrier in Central America,” said Dr. Rosemary Sifford, chief veterinary officer of the U.S. USDA advises checking pets and livestock for draining or enlarging wounds, and screwworm larvae or eggs near the edges of superficial worms.
