New World screwworm poses a significant threat to cattle and wildlife, but dogs and cats are also at risk, and infestations may be fatal if left untreated. Also, while rare, New World screwworm can infest human tissue.
The two new fact sheets – “New World Screwworm Myiasis: Protecting Human Health” and “Companion Animal Care in the Face of the New World Screwworm, NWS, Threat,” – provide research-based information on risk factors, prevention steps and reporting guidance.
The human health fact sheet was authored by Miquela Smith, AgriLife Extension program specialist in health in the Disaster Assessment and Recovery unit, Lubbock, and Mark Faries, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension specialist and professor, Family and Community Health, Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Bryan-College Station.
