New World Screwworm Webinar for Animal Industry

The New World screwworm (NWS), Cochliomyia hominivorax, is a devastating animal and public health pest. When NWS fly larvae burrow into the flesh of a living animal they cause serious, often deadly damage to the animal. NWS can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, occasionally birds, and in rare cases, people. Prior to successful eradication campaigns, NWS caused devastating losses in U.S. livestock through death, reduced productivity, and increased veterinary costs. During the 1976 NWS outbreak in Texas, producers spent an estimated $132.1 million (or $731.8 million in 2025 dollars) that year in response. Should NWS re-establish in the U.S., the economic consequences would be severe. For example, Texas alone could face losses exceeding $700 million annually, with broader impacts on the state’s economy reaching $1.8 billion.

 

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

 

·         Explain the NWS life cycle, clinical signs, and morbidity and mortality

·         Summarize the current outbreak status of NWS infestations in Central America

·         Describe how to report infestations

·         Identify key interventions for eradication

·         Locate specific support resources for responding to NWS

 

Webinar topics will include, but are not limited to:

 

·         Biology/life cycle of NWS

·         Distribution and current outbreak

·         Recognizing infestations (clinical signs)

·         Reporting infestations

·         USDA actions and planned response

·         Outreach materials