The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched a new website to centralize federal agencies as they work together to protect livestock, wildlife, and the public’s health against the New World screwworm parasite.
The U.S Department of Agriculture has launched a new website to centralize federal agencies as they work together to protect livestock, wildlife, and the public’s health against the New World screwworm parasite.
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. This is a serious concern to the U.S. economy and the U.S. food supply and the United States Department of Agriculture is committed to combatting the spread of NWS to protect American agriculture. "We do not take lightly the threat NWS poses to our livestock industry, our economy, and our food supply chain, said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. "The United States government will use all resources at its disposal to push back NWS."Animals and humans become infected with New World screwworm when the parasite lays eggs on and in open wounds. NWS can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, occasionally birds, and in rare cases, people. The FDA says NWS does not regularly occur in the U.S. and is typically found in South America and the Caribbean, but Mexico and countries in Central America are reporting cases in both humans and animals. People who travel to areas where the flies are present, have an open wound, spend time among livestock animals, or sleep outdoors, are at greater risk of NWS infection. The USDA says NWS is a serious concern to the U.S. economy and the U.S. food supply and the agency is committed to combatting the spread of NWS to protect American agriculture. RELATED: FDA issues emergency use authorization for drug to treat puppies and dogs infected with New World screwworm The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people with an NWS infestation may see maggots around or in an open wound or in their nose, eyes, or mouth. The CDC says NWS infestations are very painful. Symptoms can includeBacteria can also infect wounds where NWS maggots are present and may cause fever or chills.The New World screwworm website, screwworm.gov, centralizes NWS information available across the federal government and reflects a whole-of-government effort to fight the pest through implementation of Secretary of Agriculture Rollins’ five-pronged plan.1. Stop the Pest from Spreading in Mexico and Ensure We Are Full Partners in Eradication2. Protect the U.S. Border at All Costs3. Maximize Our Readiness4. Take the Fight to the Screwworm5. Innovate Our Way to Eradication Screwworm.gov includes information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of the Interior, the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Energy, the Department of Homeland Security, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of State.USDA says it will continue to work with all partner agencies to update and enhance the website, ensuring it has the latest information and updates.
News Pets Animals Explainers Us
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jurassic World's New Sequel Continues A 32-Year-Old Franchise TraditionAlan Grant and Ellie Sattler in Jurassic Park
Read more »
New World Of Fallout Exhibition Opens in Las VegasBethesda Softworks and the National Atomic Testing Museum have come together for an all-new exhibition, as you can now visit the World of Fallout.
Read more »
Demi Moore’s One-Season Sci-Fi Miniseries Is an Underrated Dystopian Game-Changer You Should Watch NowLinda (Demi Moore) looks dishevelled in 'Brave New World'
Read more »
New 'NYC Noise' app allows New Yorkers to police ear-piercing racket around the cityToday's Video Headlines 11/20/25
Read more »
Times Square unveiling new ball for 2026 New Year's Eve celebrationThe New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square is getting a makeover as organizers are unveil a new crystal ball Monday in New York City.
Read more »
Guns N’ Roses Announce 2026 World Tour, Prep Two New Singles: ‘Nothin’,’ ‘Atlas’Guns N' Roses announced the dates for a massive 2026 world tour and teased the upcoming release of two new singles (Dec. 2), 'Nothin'' and 'Atlas.'
Read more »