By Jamie Martin
The CDC has launched a Level 3 emergency response to address concerns over New World screwworm (NWS), following recent animal infestations detected in southern Texas and one county in New Mexico.
The response, activated on June 11, supports collaboration with the USDA and the Texas Department of State Health Services to contain the parasite.
New World screwworm primarily affects livestock, pets, and wildlife by depositing eggs into wounds or body openings, where larvae develop and feed on living tissue.
While people can also become infected under certain circumstances, officials report that no human cases have been confirmed in the United States, and the current public health risk remains low. The parasite does not spread through direct contact between animals or humans.
Since summer 2025, USDA has led a nationwide strategy to prevent the pest from expanding its range.
The effort is coordinated through the U.S. One Health Coordination Unit–New World Screwworm Interagency Working Group, which includes USDA, CDC, and the Department of the Interior.
The agencies are working together to keep the parasite from reestablishing itself after it was successfully eliminated from the United States in the past.
Health officials recommend that medical professionals in affected areas stay vigilant for possible human infestations and immediately report suspected cases to local or state health departments.
Likewise, veterinarians who detect signs of New World screwworm in animals should promptly contact their state animal health officials and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for further investigation and response.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National