Tennessee State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Beaty is spreading the word to animal owners about an invasive pest called the New World Screwworm (NWS). The NWS is a significant threat to livestock and other warm-blooded animals, including pets. According to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Beaty explained that NWS larvae feed on live tissue, causing painful and potentially dangerous wounds.
The concern has spiked following recent detections of the pest in Mexico, prompting fears of a possible spread to U.S. states. The USDA's recent decision to temporarily suspend live cattle, horse, and bison imports along the southern U.S. border was a direct response to avoid accidentally reintroducing NWS into domestic herds. Given Tennessee's location along key migration and trade routes, Beaty stresses the importance of increased vigilance.
Beaty described the adult New World Screwworm flies as slightly larger than houseflies, noticeable by their metallic blue/green bodies, orange eyes, and distinct three dark stripes on their backs. The symptoms of an NWS infestation include wounds that fail to heal and worsen over time, and may feature foul-smelling discharge or visible larvae. Affected animals might display discomfort or unusual behavior, such as abstaining from feed or isolating themselves. Wounds from routine animal husbandry practices like castration or branding could be particularly susceptible.
Animal owners are encouraged to monitor their animals' health closely, especially if they have travelled internationally. Immediate inspection and treatment of wounds are crucial. Dr. Beaty urged owners to "carefully inspect their animals and report any unusual or persistent wounds" to help early detection and containment efforts. If an owner suspects an NWS infestation, they can contact various helplines available, including the State Veterinarian's office at 615-837-5120, the USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge at 615-517-2642, or an after-hours number at 866-536-7593, as per the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
