Screwworm Eradication Program 4-H Veterinary Science Extension Veterinary Medicine Texas AgriLife Extension Service College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science Texas A&M System
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 Lab 4501 Springdale Road C/O GMF Postage-Due Unit Austin, TX