MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries is warning Alabamians to be on the lookout for this potential pest. New World Screwworms (NWS) are blow fly larvae, otherwise known as “maggots,” that embed into the skin. This can cause severe to fatal damage to pets, livestock, wildlife, birds and, in rare cases, people.
Female flies can lay eggs on or near open wounds, body orifices or decaying tissue. Once a larva hatches, it will burrow into the skin of its host and will feed on the flesh. This will persist until treated, causing inflammation and tissue damage.
Not only will they lay eggs around wounds, but they can also lay eggs on living animals’ nostrils, ears, eyes, mouth or genitalia. The main damage is caused by the progressing larvae’s mouthhooks that increase tissue damage.
In livestock these flies can lay eggs in the umbilical region of newly birthed animals, castration wounds, branding locations, ear tags, notching or marking locations and, as previously stated, open wounds or cuts.
If you notice your pet or other animals showing signs of sensitivity or open wounds the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries suggests you contact your veterinarian.
Larvae will fall from the wound, bury in the ground to pupate (transform into a pupa) then enter adult stage and become flies. From there they will find new hosts and continue to multiply.
“At this time, the detection of New World Screwworm in an agricultural setting in Texas does not represent an increased risk for Alabama citizens who do not have risk factors specific to New World Screwworm, such as travel to impacted areas,” ADAI advised.
Though flies can travel up to 10-12 miles to find a host and, if not caught and treated, will further spread.
Animals infected may distance themselves from you or other animals and stop eating. Watch for unusual behavior and make sure your animals are assessed on a regular basis.
If you suspect an animal may have New World Screwworm you can call the Office of the State Veterinarian at 334-240-7253 or email stvet@agi.alabama.gov.
Get more info at https://agi.alabama.gov/animalindustries/new-world-screwworm.
