New World Screwworm cases continue to rise

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Collins announced in a Thursday news conference that the total number of New World screwworm cases has risen to eight since last week’s breakout.  Authorities have implemented quarantines in 10 counties, including Gillespie, Kerr and Kimble counties, and are releasing sterile flies to halt the spread.

Screwworm flies lay their eggs in wounds or orifices of warm-blooded animals.  When they hatch within 12 to 24 hours, the resulting larvae eat further into the host, and can cause severe, often deadly damage if not treated.  The pest had largely been gone from the U.S. for decades.

The aerial releases are targeting the newly designated infested zone in Gillespie County following Monday’s confirmed case of a goat infected with New World screwworm.  Similar fly drops have also been conducted elsewhere in Texas, including Kerr County, as state and federal officials work to eliminate the parasite and prevent further spread.  Since February, more than one hundred million sterile flies have been released in Texas, according to Collins.

On the ground, containment efforts include livestock inspection checkpoints operated by representatives of the Texas Animal Health Commission.  One such checkpoint is located along Harper Road north of Interstate 10 and is focused on monitoring livestock being transported out of Gillespie County.

State officials noted the confirmed cases of New World screwworm across four Texas counties mostly involve domestic cattle.

Rollins also stated, “The food supply is completely safe.”

Officials suggest the following tips to help keep your animals safe:

~Check for and treat wounds on your animals – even small ones like tick bites – to keep the flies out.

~Report any suspected cases to the Texas Animal Health Commission at (800) 550-8242, or the Texas Parks and Wildlife at (512) 389-4505.

~Pet owners who suspect a case in their cats or dogs should contact their local veterinarian and the Texas Animal Health Commission immediately.  Owners should inspect their pets for any wounds or openings that could be vulnerable to the screwworm.  Keep pets clean and make sure there aren’t any insects, flies or maggots on them.  Screwworm is treatable as long as the infection is caught and treated early.

Additionally,the infection from a New World screwworm is not contagious like the common cold.