Flesh-Eating Parasite Returns to US After Decades

Topic: Environment

A parasite that eats living flesh has returned to the US after being eradicated in the 1950s. Researchers have created a tool to track its spread, but it's still spreading rapidly.

In the 1950s, New World screwworm infestations caused huge losses for livestock producers in the US. The pest was estimated to cause between $50 million and $100 million in damage each year in the Southwest alone. It was eventually eradicated from the US and pushed south to Panama.

But now, the flesh-eating parasite has returned to Texas and New Mexico, causing concerns for livestock, wildlife, pets, and even people. Researchers at the University of California San Diego and the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) Public Health Services developed a new tracking tool to help officials understand where the threat could emerge next.

The tool estimates screwworm risk for individual counties across the country by bringing together confirmed detections, environmental conditions that may favor the fly and its larvae, and reports in the news media. For now, access is limited to public health officials and partners involved in the project. The researchers eventually hope to release a version that can be used by the public.

New World screwworm differs sharply from most fly larvae because it feeds on healthy, living flesh. Female flies lay their eggs in open wounds or natural body openings. After hatching, the larvae burrow into the tissue and begin feeding, causing wounds to become deeper and larger, increasing the risk of secondary infections.

Why It Matters

This parasite can affect not just animals but also humans, making it a concern for public health officials in India as well. Understanding how it spreads will help us prepare for potential outbreaks and protect our livestock and wildlife.

Key Facts

• New World screwworm infestations caused between $50 million and $100 million in damage each year in the Southwest alone before being eradicated in the 1950s.
• The parasite has returned to Texas and New Mexico, causing concerns for livestock, wildlife, pets, and people.
• Researchers have developed a tracking tool to help officials understand where the threat could emerge next.
• New World screwworm feeds on healthy, living flesh, making it a serious concern for public health officials.
• The parasite can be spread through infected livestock, pets, birds, and other wildlife.

Key Terms

Screwworm

A type of fly larvae that eats healthy, living flesh.

Parasitic fly

A fly that lays eggs in open wounds or natural body openings.

Implications

This parasite can affect not just animals but also humans, making it a concern for public health officials in India as well. Understanding how it spreads will help us prepare for potential outbreaks and protect our livestock and wildlife.