Governor Mark Gordon hosted an impromptu panel discussion with state veterinarians and the Wyoming Department of Health to initiate communication efforts relating to the New World screwworm. There are no reported outbreaks of the flesh-eating New World screwworm in Wyoming, but Texas and New Mexico are tracking instances.
New World Screwworm Facts
The New World screwworm is a deadly, flesh-eating parasite that was previously eradicated in the United States. The female flies lay their eggs in open wounds of mammals, and the livestock industry is fearful of potential impacts on cattle and beef production. Key takeaways from the discussion include: no reported outbreaks in Wyoming, New World screwworms feed on and lay eggs in open wounds of warm-blooded animals, transmission to humans is very rare, and livestock and domesticated animals should be checked regularly.
Gordon and the panelists fielded questions and heard commentary from various professionals, including Wyoming Department of Agriculture Director Doug Miyamoto and Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director Angi Bruce. Protocols for safe animal transport are currently in place in Wyoming, and wildlife and game populations are being monitored for early indicators of fly strikes.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
