The New World Screwworm has been in the news lately, with confirmed detections of the insect in five Texas counties, according to the USDA. 

The parasitic fly that feeds on the tissues of warm-blooded animals is a serious pest of livestock and wildlife. It has NOT yet been reported in Caldwell County as of this evening (6/12).

Early detection is key. Watch for unusual wounds that do not heal, wounds containing visible larvae (maggots), or signs of infection in livestock and pets. 

Suspected cases in wildlife should be reported to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Suspected cases in livestock should be reported to the Texas Animal Health Commission.

For more information and to track its whereabouts, visit the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension's webpage devoted to the screwworm here: https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/new-world-screwworm