New Mexico animal health officials have confirmed two additional cases of New World screwworm in Grant County, one involving a horse and the other a calf, as state and federal agencies expand surveillance and trapping efforts to determine whether the pest has spread.
Read more below from Organ Mountain News.
The New Mexico Livestock Board and New Mexico Department of Agriculture announced the cases Thursday, Oct. 15, and said officials are continuing to investigate affected locations and monitor for additional infestations.
“We are working closely with our state and federal partners to investigate these cases, increase surveillance and monitor for additional infestations,” State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck said in a statement.
Two infested zones established
Officials have established infested zones extending at least 12.4 miles from the locations of affected animals. The northernmost zones have been combined into a larger area, leaving two separate infested zones in New Mexico.
Animals within those zones must be inspected and, when necessary, treated before they can be moved within or outside the affected areas.
State and federal personnel are also expanding fly-trapping operations and surveillance around the locations where cases have been confirmed.
“We appreciate the continued cooperation of livestock producers, veterinarians and animal owners as we respond to these additional cases,” New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte said. “Early detection and prompt reporting are critical to limiting the spread of this pest.”
New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae infest wounds and feed on living tissue. Infestations can cause severe injuries and can be fatal if left untreated. The pest primarily affects livestock and wildlife but can also infest pets and, in rare cases, humans.
What animal owners should watch for
Animal health officials are urging livestock producers and other animal owners to inspect their animals regularly, particularly when wounds are present.
Warning signs include wounds that fail to heal or worsen, maggots in wounds, foul-smelling discharge and unusual irritation or behavior around an injury.
Anyone who suspects a New World screwworm infestation should immediately contact the New Mexico Livestock Board and avoid moving the affected animal until receiving guidance.
The Livestock Board can be reached at 505-841-6161.
Maps showing the affected areas, reporting information and additional guidance are available at ScrewwormNM.org.