Screwworm Eradication Program

4-H Veterinary ScienceExtension Veterinary Medicine 

Texas AgriLife Extension ServiceCollege of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science

Texas A&M Systemhttp://aevm.tamu.edu

Objectives

Discuss the eradication of screwworms from the U.S.

Understand that health regulations are health management practices used to prevent the spread of the disease

Understand that control of disease can lead to eradication

Screwworms

Parasite Effect livestock and other warm-blooded

animals Rare, but can affect people

The Pest

Adult stage 2x bigger than housefly Orange eyes Blue-gray or gray body 3 dark stripes down

body 31 day lifespan

400 eggs at a time 2,800 during its life

Larvae

Hatch in 12 hours Eat raw flesh (flesh-eating)

Life Cycle

Adult flies mate

Female lays eggs in open

wound

Larvae hatch and feed on tissue

Larvae drop to ground and become pupae

Adult flies emerge from soil

Life Cycle

Infestations

Animals most at risk are during Docking Dehorning Castration Navels of Newborn Minor cuts Tick bites

Infestations

Symptoms Foul smelling odor Wound oozing dark liquid

Prompt action can make sure there is no outbreak like in 1950s

Photos by UC Davis Veterinary School of Medicine

If you suspect screwworms Collect a sample in a screwworm kit

Mail to:

USDA State-Federal Diagnostic Lab4501 Springdale RoadC/O GMF Postage-Due UnitAustin, TX 78714-9998