New World Screwworm: Understanding Its Impact on Livestock and Food Safety

The New World screwworm, recently detected in the U.S. after decades, poses a significant threat to livestock rather than directly affecting food safety. While it can inflict severe economic damage—potentially in the billions for the southwestern U.S.—public health officials assure that it does not compromise the quality of meat available to consumers. The larvae require living tissue to thrive, making it unlikely for infested animals to enter the food supply due to stringent USDA inspections. Awareness campaigns are underway in Texas and New Mexico to educate hunters and the public about recognizing and reporting infestations.

Key Details: • Screwworm infestations can lead to billions in economic losses for the livestock industry. • Meat from infested animals is unlikely to reach consumers due to USDA inspection protocols. • Hunters should report any infested animals to local Wildlife Services and avoid handling them.