The New World screwworm feeds on live tissue, according to the CDC
AP
NEED TO KNOW
- A flesh-eating parasite has caused a “disaster declaration”
- The New World screwworm feeds on live tissue, according to the CDC
- Texas has been posed with a “serious threat” from the parasite
A flesh-eating parasite is a cause for concern.
The New World screwworm, also known as Cochliomyia hominivorax, is a species of parasitic fly that can cause myiasis, a parasitic infestation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The parasite feeds on live tissue, primarily that of livestock, but it can also affect people, per the health organization.
New World screwworm is generally found in areas such as South America, Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, but it has recently posed a "serious threat" to the United States, prompting a "disaster declaration" in Texas.
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statewide warning, saying, "Although the New World screwworm fly is not yet present in Texas or the U.S., its northward spread from Mexico toward the U.S. southern border poses a serious threat to Texas' livestock industry and wildlife. State law authorizes me to act to prevent a threat of infestation that could cause severe damage to Texas property, and I will not wait for such harm to reach our livestock and wildlife."
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New World screwworm "are attracted to and lay eggs on and in open wounds," according to the CDC.
Infestations are "very painful," per the organization, and symptoms include feeling the larvae move around the skin, a foul-smelling odor coming from the site of the infestation and painful skin wounds or sores, to name a few.
According to the CDC, "one female can lay 200 to 300 eggs at a time and may lay up to 3,000 eggs during her 10- to 30-day lifespan. Eggs hatch into maggots that burrow into the wound to feed on the living flesh. After feeding, larvae drop to the ground, burrow into the soil, and emerge as adult screwworm flies."
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Through Abbott's statewide disaster declaration, Texas' specialized response team for New World screwworm "can fully utilize all state government prevention and response resources to prevent the re-emergence of this destructive parasite." The politician, 68, said, "Texas is prepared to fully eradicate this pest, if need be."
Ways to protect oneself from New World screwworm in affected areas include keeping open wounds clean and covered and using insect repellent spray, per the CDC.
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