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USDA entomologist warns states to watch for screwworm as Central American outbreak spreads
Summary
USDA entomologist Denise Bonilla briefed the board on screwworm biology, historic economic impacts and eradication tactics (sterile insect technique). Recent detections in Mexico and Central America prompted increased surveillance and plans to scale sterile-fly production and cross-border import protocols.
A USDA entomologist told the Minnesota Board of Animal Health that screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) remains a serious livestock and public-health threat where it has re-emerged in Central America and Mexico, and urged states to be prepared for suspect cases.
Denise Bonilla explained the fly life cycle, clinical signs and why screwworm is distinct: larvae feed on living tissue and infest even small wounds and umbilical sites, often causing severe illness or death if untreated. She reviewed historical economic analyses and the sterile-insect technique used to eradicate screwworm from the continental U.S. in past decades. USDA has increased sterile-fly production in Panama and is exploring additional production capacity and protocols in Mexico and the United States to respond if the pest spreads northward.
USDA and APHIS also provided guidance on field collection and shipping of suspect larvae specimens to NVSL for rapid identification and emphasized that suspected cases should be reported to state animal-health officials and NVSL immediately to enable priority testing.
