(KIWA Staff Photo)
Statewide Iowa (RI) — Animal-health officials in Iowa are closely monitoring the spread of New World screwworm, after 15 cases were confirmed in this month in Texas and New Mexico.
The larvae of the parasitic flies burrow down into the open wounds of warm-blooded animals. Matthew Brewer, a professor of veterinary medicine at Iowa State University, says the biggest risk for spreading the pest is moving infected animals.
Iowa ag officials have issued guidance for moving animals from infested zones into the state. The screwworm was eradicated from the U.S. and Central America decades ago, but it has moved north again in recent years — something that worries Jeff Kaisand, Iowa’s state veterinarian.
Kaisand says livestock producers and pet owners should routinely inspect their animals for open wounds.
He says animals can survive New World screwworm if they receive care quickly.
