MIAMI, Florida — Agricultural inspectors intercepted a case of the parasitic New World screwworm before it could spread inside the United States, according to Florida officials.
The flesh-eating parasite was discovered on a horse imported from Argentina during a routine inspection at a USDA facility. Authorities confirmed the screwworm was contained within the quarantine site and did not spread beyond the facility.
The New World screwworm primarily affects livestock but can infest any warm-blooded animal, including pets and humans. Female flies lay eggs in open wounds or natural body openings. The larvae hatch into maggots that feed on living tissue, potentially causing severe damage if untreated.
With cases detected in livestock near the U.S.-Mexico border, federal officials have ramped up prevention efforts. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is releasing approximately 100 million sterile male screwworm flies each week, primarily in Texas border areas. Because female screwworm flies mate only once, pairing with sterile males prevents viable offspring.
The USDA has also increased border surveillance with fly traps and reinforced import screening protocols. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised medical professionals to monitor for symptoms in patients who have traveled to affected regions, particularly Central America and Mexico.
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