Top 5 Things You Need to Know About the Tropical Screwworm Invasion
- The tropical screwworm is a flesh-eating maggot that burrows into living tissue of mammals, including pets, livestock, and in rare cases humans, feeding on the host from the inside out.
- A massive outbreak has been detected in Key deer in Florida, sparking fears of a wider spread across the southern United States, particularly during the warmer months when the fly thrives.
- The USDA has implemented a sterile insect release program, releasing billions of irradiated male screwworm flies to mate with wild females, ensuring no offspring are produced.
- There is no vaccine or preventive medication for screwworm infestations; the only defense is vigilant wound care and checking pets with open sores for any writhing larvae.
- If you find a maggot-like infestation on an animal, it is critical to contact a veterinarian immediately—delaying can lead to death, as the larvae release toxins and cause secondary infections.