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USDA Confirms NWS in Arizona

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New World screwworm (NWS, Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a devastating pest. When NWS fly larvae (maggots) 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.
Courtesy of USDA/APHIS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service have confirmed a New World Screwworm case in a dog located in Arizona. This is the first New World Screwworm case in Arizona.

In a post on X from USDA’s New World Screwworm Rapid Response account, livestock and pet owners are warned, saying “USDA has confirmed Arizona’s first case of New World Screwworm. Early detection is critical. Check animals daily for draining or enlarging wounds, maggots or egg masses, signs of discomfort, lesions around the ears, nose, genital area, or umbilicus. If you suspect New World Screwworm, contact your veterinarian, state animal health official, or USDA immediately.”

USDA Confirms NWS in Arizona

Audio Reporting by Elizabeth Sanders for Southeast AgNet.