Cases of New World screwworm infections in Mexico have climbed by more than 50 percent since July. As of August 17, Reuters said Mexico has documented 5,086 cases of the flesh-eating screwworm in animals, a 53 percent rise from July, according to numbers released by the Mexican government.
The updated numbers previously unavailable to the public show 649 currently active cases of screwworm infections. “That’s incredibly concerning,” said Neal Wilkins. He told Drovers that a fifty percent increase in the number of cases from July to August, particularly in extreme heat, means that Mexico hasn’t gotten the parasite under control.
An NCBA spokesman said the increase in the number of NWS cases shows that the New World screwworm is a very present and real threat. Drovers said the increase in the number of reported cases likely comes from Mexican cattle producers more closely inspecting their cattle and reporting any suspicious wounds or pests.
85% of the cases in Mexico have been identified in cattle, but its affected other livestock as well. However, the pest can affect any mammal and collecting information on infestations in wildlife is very difficult.
To combat the threat the screwworm presents to the U.S. livestock industry, USDA has rolled out millions in resources. $750 million in federal funding is planned for a domestic sterile fly production facility at the airbase. This facility will have the capability of producing 300 million flies per week.
Another $100 million was allocated to find cutting-edge technologies to help combat the spread of NWS.
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NAFB
