Top 5 things you need to know about the New World screwworm outbreak threatening Florida livestock
- A flesh-eating screwworm outbreak has been detected in Florida's Florida Keys, marking the first U.S. case in over 30 years and posing a massive threat to livestock and pets.
- The screwworm larvae burrow into open wounds of warm-blooded animals, including deer, cattle, and dogs, causing severe tissue damage that can be fatal if untreated.
- Infected animals show symptoms like excessive licking, foul-smelling discharge, and visible maggots within wounds, often leading to secondary infections and death.
- The USDA has initiated a emergency response, including dropping sterile male screwworm flies from planes to disrupt breeding and quarantining infected areas.
- Travelers and pet owners are urged to inspect animals for wounds and report any suspicious cases immediately, as the screwworm can spread rapidly through animal movement.