By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – The University of Arizona is stepping up its preventative response to the New World screwworm following its detection in New Mexico, 50 miles from the Arizona border. It is the closest the flesh-eating parasitic fly has been to the border in decades.
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Because the screwworm can infect cattle, it poses a threat to the beef industry and could eventually lead to an increase in beef prices for consumers. The university’s New World Screwworm Task Force has been working with the USDA to prepare for and respond to the pest, including through a new detection model.
Ann Fan, with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, said the situation is a growing concern.
“Right now it’s definitely more concerning as the recent cases are getting closer and closer to Arizona,” Fan said.
Yan Zhang, director of the University of Arizona’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, said the New World screwworm is treatable if detected early.
“The New World Screwworm actually is treatable if you detect it early,” Zhang said.
Zhang said the university’s New World Screwworm Task Force recently created a model to predict the parasite’s spread in Arizona. The model maps out areas where screwworm could emerge in the state, described as “areas of suitability,” taking into account temperature, rainfall, and the presence of buildings and other structures.
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Once areas of concern are detected, the university’s New World Screwworm sample kit can be used by ranchers and other livestock producers to test for the fly.
“They will determine if it’s a foreign animal disease. If it’s yes, they will give an FAD, which is a foreign animal disease number,” Zhang said.
The sample is then sent to the USDA for further testing.
“We received a few samples so far and none of them were positive,” Zhang said.
Fan, the state’s wildlife veterinarian, said testing and preparation are crucial in a state surrounded on two sides by detected screwworm cases, as the cattle trade could be affected.
“There will be animal movement restrictions, and our local cattle, if it were to become affected, some of the other states may not be willing to take our animals,” Fan said.
Fan said Game and Fish is urging pet and livestock owners to be aware of screwworm symptoms and warning signs.
“Wounds that are not healing, painful animals, lethargy, draining track, as well as the really bad odor,” Fan said.
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Game and Fish laid out guidelines for those who do notice symptoms.
In the event that you suspect screwworm:
- Take a GPS location.
- If it is wildlife, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department immediately at 623-236-7201. Do not handle or transport the animal.
- Take pictures of the wound, larvae or affected animal, if it is safe to do so.
- If it is a domestic animal (livestock, pets), contact the Arizona Department of Agriculture at [email protected]. If in doubt, reach out to your veterinarian for assistance.
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