Texas officials warn of infectious, parasitic worms that 'screw into flesh'
AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) — A parasitic worm eradicated in the United States nearly 60 years ago could be threatening a comeback, Texas wildlife officials warn.
The New World Screwworm was recently detected in Mexico, and the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife is asking people in South Texas to watch out for animals affected by the screwworms.
The parasitic screwworm was eradicated from the U.S. in 1966, but it is widespread in some Caribbean and South American countries.
The New World Screwworm is a larva or maggot of the New World Screwworm fly, which lays eggs in a wound or live tissue like the nostrils, eyes or mouth, according to the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife. The eggs hatch into painful larvae, and then maggots "screw into flesh with sharp mouth hooks" leading to a parasitic infection.
TPWD officials said female screwworm flies are drawn to the odor of a wound on a live, warm-blooded animal. Female flies can lay up to 300 eggs at once.
The screwworms most commonly affect livestock, but they can also infect birds, pets and humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Screwworms can cause serious damage to the animal or person they infect and can cause bacterial superinfection.
The CDC said screwworms are most common in the tropics and subtropics, but recent cases have appeared in Central America for the first time in years. Mexican authorities told the United States Department of Agriculture in November of a positive detection of New World Screwworm in a cow, according to the Texas Animal Health Commission.
TPWD said signs of screwworm infection include:
- Irritated or depressed behavior
- Loss of appetite
- Head shaking
- Smell of decaying flesh
- Presence of fly larvae in wounds
- Isolation from other animals or people
TPWD officials said screwworm infection can be prevented by cleaning and covering wounds and applying insect repellant, especially if traveling to areas with New World Screwworm.
Texas officials ask people to report potential cases to a local wildlife biologist. People can also report livestock cases to the Texas Animal Health Commission or the U.S. Department of Agriculture.