Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, provides his insights into the fight against New World screwworm—which includes an expanded screwworm production facility—in this Vet Watch update
Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM: This is a Vet Watch update, I'm Christopher Lee. The enemy approaches Cochliomyia hominivorax, the new world screwworm continues its March northward, and Mexico has officially reported over 2300 cases, but we estimate that the real number is much higher. And right now, this obligate parasite may be less than 100 miles from the US border, and unlike typical maggots that feed on necrotic tissue, this screwworm larva loves living flesh. It will, in fact, disfigure and kill livestock, pets, wildlife, and yes, even you.
Now, the last time we had this parasite in the US, we fought back by releasing 800 million sterile flies each week. Since the females only mate once, this technique was able to eradicate screwworm in the 1960s but instead of 3, we only have 1 active facility that is [The Panama-United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm] in Panama, and they are releasing only 100 million sterile flies per week. That's not enough.
The good news is that reinforcements are coming. The Mission, Texas plant, [(Moore Air Base)] is being expanded for screwworm production, and the Tuxtla facility in Mexico is switching back from fruit fly sterilization to screwworms. But this threat is real. The invasion is coming, but we've beaten this before, and we're preparing to beat it again. Stay alert. Stay informed and stay tuned here at Vet Watch only at dvm360.
From exam room tips to practice management insights, get trusted veterinary news delivered straight to your inbox—subscribe to dvm360.
