New World Screwworm infestations expand to Arizona
Cases of New World Screwworm parasites have reached Arizona, marking the third state affected by the current outbreak with 74 documented animal infections since June.
The New World Screwworm (NWS), a parasitic fly species, has expanded its reach into Arizona, following previous detections in Texas and New Mexico. Since the re-emergence of the flies in the United States in June, agricultural and health officials have confirmed 74 individual cases affecting pets and livestock.
These parasites reproduce by depositing eggs into open wounds or the moist orifices of animals. Upon hatching, the larvae, or screwworms, feed on the living tissue of the host. The physical impact of these infestations can lead to severe injury or death if left untreated by veterinary professionals.
Public health authorities continue to monitor the spread of the infestation as the parasite moves into new regions. The ongoing tracking of cases reflects the difficulty of containing the species once it establishes a foothold in a new territory, posing a recurring challenge for pet owners and livestock managers in the affected areas.