By Jamie Martin
New World Screwworms (NWS) are a significant pest threatening animal and public health. The larvae of these flies burrow into the flesh of living animals, leading to severe injuries or death. The NWS poses a particular risk to livestock, pets, and occasionally humans. Before successful eradication efforts, NWS caused significant losses to U.S. livestock, with an estimated $132.1 million spent during the 1976 Texas outbreak. This amount, adjusted for inflation, is equivalent to $731.8 million in today’s dollars.
The re-emergence of NWS would have devastating consequences, especially for Texas, where losses could exceed $700 million annually, with broader economic impacts reaching $1.8 billion. To tackle this, a comprehensive webinar is being organized to provide key knowledge on identifying, reporting, and eradicating NWS infestations. The webinar will also cover the pest's biology, clinical signs, and the USDA's planned response to potential outbreaks.
Webinar Overview:
- Date: August 12, 2025
- Time: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (ET)
- Platform: Microsoft Teams
- Registration: Required
Topics to be discussed include:
- NWS life cycle and clinical signs
- Current status of NWS outbreaks in Central America
- Reporting and recognizing infestations
- Sample collection techniques
- USDA actions and outreach materials
For registration and curriculum-related inquiries, email at APHIS.VS.Training@usda.gov.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-artistgndphotography
Categories: National