By Staff Reporter |
The first confirmed animal case of New World screwworm was announced this week.
The Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) announced on Wednesday that the first case of the parasite was discovered in a dog in Cochise County.
New World screwworms are flies that feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. These flies lay their eggs in open wounds and cavities such as the eyes, ears, nose, genitals, or mouth. The eggs hatch into parasitic maggots that burrow into and feed on the flesh.
AZDA reported that a local veterinarian discovered the screwworm during an examination of the animal on Monday, Oct. 26. The canine had a wound on its back that was heavily infested with maggots exhibiting New World screwworm traits.
Further testing through AZDA and federal partners confirmed the presence of the New World screwworm. The dog was under veterinary care as of the press release. AZDA stated that it is working with the treating veterinarian and the dog’s owner to gather additional information in order to determine necessary next steps for epidemiologic investigation and local response.
Ryan Wolker, AZDA state veterinarian, said the agency has been ready to address the eventual discovery of the New World screwworm in Arizona. Wolker expressed confidence in the state’s ability to identify and contain the parasite to prevent rapid spread.
“We have been preparing for this possibility for a long while and are acting swiftly,” said Wolker. “Because of the extensive outreach, coordination, and surveillance already in place, Arizona producers, veterinarians, and pet owners know what to look for and how to report suspected cases. That preparation is allowing us to move quickly to protect animal health in the state.”
These proactive measures reportedly included communications with livestock owners, pet owners, tribal partners, industry stakeholders, and animal health professionals about New World screwworm detections in the Southwestern states. Additionally, AZDA and the University of Arizona’s Arizona Livestock Incident Response Team have conducted dozens of educational events, including tabletop exercises, industry workshops, and train-the-trainer sessions.
In late July, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced plans for a new sterile fly dispersal facility at the Douglas Port of Entry, funded with a $25 million investment. The facility would assist the USDA in combatting the spread of the New World screwworm.
Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Republican nominee for governor, secured the establishment of the new facility. That facility has not yet opened; officials aim to complete it by the end of the year.
As of Thursday, USDA reported 74 total confirmed cases of New World screwworm in animals. 73 of those cases involved domesticated animals, and one involved a wild or feral animal. Apart from the first case in the southeastern corner of Arizona, cases have been confirmed across the southern borders of New Mexico and Texas.
AZDA is asking the public to be vigilant and observant with animals in their care or custody as well as wildlife. Signs of New World screwworm infestation include visible maggots in wounds or body openings; open, draining, or enlarging wounds; foul-smelling injuries; and animals that appear weak, lethargic, isolated, or in distress.
Unusual wounds in domesticated animals that appear to be infested with maggots consistent with New World screwworm should be reported immediately to diseasereporting@azda.gov or by calling AZDA at 602-542-4293 during business hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Signs of New World screwworm in wildlife should be reported immediately, along with GPS coordinates of the animal’s approximate location, to the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 623-236-7201.
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
