New World screwworm returns to US soil after 50 years, sparking debate over USDA response
By
Dan Flynn
Summary
The article reports on the re-emergence of New World screwworm (NWS) in the United States for the first time in 50 years, with confirmed infestations in cattle in Texas and a dog in New Mexico. The flesh-eating parasitic fly larvae feed on living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller criticizes the USDA's response as relying on an "ineffective approach." The article covers the USDA's detection, the spread of infestations, and the controversy over response strategies.
Source
bskyNew World screwworm returns to US soil after 50 years, sparking debate over USDA responsefoodsafetynews.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledTexas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller contends that the USDA's response to the screwworm's arrival in the USA relies too heavily on an 'ineffective approach.'
For the first time in 50 years, widespread infections by the New World screwworm must be fought on U.S. soil, as its larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals in Texas and New Mexico.
The flesh-eating parasitic fly arrived in the United States with the June 3 USDA report confirming the detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in a cow in Zavala County, Texas.
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