World Screwworm Parasite Re-emerges In Florida

An infestation of New World Screwworms has been identified in Florida. The parasites cause painful wounds that can expose bone in affected animals. Volunteers are currently organizing to treat the impacted livestock. The situation is prompting renewed concern among ethicists and agricultural stakeholders. The screwworm fly lays approximately 400 eggs at a time into small wounds or skin nicks. The maggot phase of the fly acts as a worm within the host. This poses a threat to ranchers across the Southern United States. The larvae typically target the navels of newborn calves. Removal of the parasites from livestock is described as a difficult and unpleasant task. Once the larvae lock in, they are extremely difficult to remove from the animals. Historical management involved manual removal from livestock.