By Scout Nelson
Researchers at the University of Minnesota are helping improve preparedness against the return of New World screwworm (NWS), a dangerous flesh-eating parasite that threatens livestock, wildlife, companion animals, and sometimes people. The parasite has recently reappeared in North America after decades of successful eradication, raising concerns among veterinarians, livestock producers, and animal health officials.
For the first time in 60 years, New World screwworm has been detected in the United States, with confirmed animal cases reported in Texas and New Mexico. The parasite spreads when flies lay eggs in open wounds, and the developing larvae feed on living tissue. If not treated quickly, infestations can cause severe injury and even death in affected animals.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, including Guillermo Arcega Castillo, a Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine resident in the Center for Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS), are working to improve knowledge and preparedness among veterinarians and livestock producers.
“It’s an animal health emergency,” says Guillermo Arcega Castillo, a Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine resident in the Center for Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS). “It affects wildlife, livestock, companion animals and sometimes people.”
The parasite spread north after moving through the Darién region between Panama and Colombia. It reached Central America before spreading into Mexico in 2024, where it had been eliminated for more than 30 years. In 2023, the parasite had already begun moving north through Central America.
To better understand the situation, the research team launched surveys involving veterinarians and cattle producers in Mexico and Central America. The surveys examine current knowledge, reporting practices, and prevention efforts. Researchers also plan field visits to Mexico, Guatemala, and Panama to gather more detailed information directly from producers and animal health professionals.
The results will help create targeted training programs, educational materials, and communication resources that address specific knowledge gaps. Researchers believe this approach can also improve future responses to other animal diseases, including African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease.
“Veterinarians and cattle producers play a huge role in responding effectively to outbreaks because they are usually the first to detect an infestation when it happens,” Arcega Castillo says. “Instead of sending a general message that may not be effective, we need to customize and tailor training to what we are hearing from veterinarians and those working with animals every day about where these gaps are.”
Photo Credit: pexels-skyler-ewing
Categories: Minnesota, Livestock