New website has everything you need to know about flesh-eating parasite in the US

TEXAS - A potentially deadly, flesh-eating parasite has breached the U.S. border and a new tracker website has been launched to act as a "one-stop shop" for everything you need to know.

Cases of the New World screwworm (NWS) have been detected in Texas and New Mexico, posing a serious threat to local livestock and wildlife, and, in rarer cases, to humans and birds.

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the launch of an enhanced website that offers comprehensive information about the New World screwworm for residents.

Abbott said Texans will now have access to maps, training, identification resources, reporting tools and the latest updates to help protect livestock, wildlife and rural communities.

"This new website puts essential tools in the hands of our producers, veterinarians and families," Abbott said in a statement.

You'll be able to access reliable information about the parasite, including fact sheets, videos and educational materials.

There will also be zone maps, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) case dashboard, links to best practices for livestock and wildlife, and details on registering for the new no-cost Certified Inspector Training, according to Abbott.

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The governor said it's important to provide public outreach and clear, accessible information to reduce risk.

There are currently 12 New World screwworm cases reported in the U.S., according to the USDA dashboard. Cattle, goats, sheep and dogs are among those cases.

These are the first noted cases in animals since at least 2017, when a small outbreak was found and eradicated in Florida, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

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Just last week, the USDA approved the emergency use of medication to treat New World screwworm in dogs and cats.

In addition to the website, Texas officials have created the joint NWS Response Team, bringing together state agencies, producers, veterinarians, wildlife experts and federal partners.

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and Abbott have also announced a $750 million sterile fly production facility in Edinburg.

The State of Texas has issued a statewide disaster declaration to mobilize resources and strengthen response efforts.

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The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly species that feeds on the tissue or flesh of warm-blooded animals and people to complete parts of its life cycle, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.

The infestation begins when adult females are attached to open wounds and body openings, such as the eyes, nose, mouth or genitals.

They lay their eggs — usually 200 to 300 at a time — in these vulnerable areas, which quickly hatch into maggots that burrow into the wound or opening to feed on the flesh. After about seven days of feeding, the larvae then drop to the ground, pupate and eventually emerge into an adult screwworm. 

This is not only harmful to the infected, but also leads to economic loss.

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In 2023, Panama and Costa Rica identified an outbreak of the New World screwworm. Since then, all countries in Central America and Mexico have reported cases among animals and people.

When contracting the parasite, human patients typically experience symptoms such as feeling or seeing maggots in the skin, a foul-smelling odor from the site of infection, and bleeding open sores, the CDC said. 

The USDA is urging all residents in the area to monitor pets and livestock for indications of NWS by looking for draining or enlarged wounds and signs of discomfort.

For any livestock or pets with suspected cases, you're advised to report it to the Texas Animal Health Commission's 24-hour veterinarian call line at 1-800-550-8242.

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Click here for more information and guidance related to the New World Screwworm.