Screwworm Battle Needs More Flies and Collaboration, IAEA Says

Screwworm Battle Needs More Flies and Collaboration, IAEA Says A key international nuclear lab helping to eradicate the New World screwworm says more sterile flies and better coordination with southern neighbors is needed to prevent the deadly parasite from spreading across North America. The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency said Thursday it’s coordinating a new project to stem the outbreak threatening billions of dollars in damages for ranchers in the US. The coordinated research project aims to improve tools for detecting and combating the parasitic fly, and comes as growing cases in Texas add urgency to containment efforts. [Image text:] BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR: DEER BREEDING FACILITIES NewWorldScrewworm New World screwworms (NwS) are parasitic flies Cochliomyia hominivorax) that lay eggs in open wounds or mucous membranes such as the nostrils,eyes.genitalia newborn navels or mouths of live warm-blooded animals. These eggs hatch into a type of parasitic larvae (maggots) that only feed on living tissue while other species of fly larvae prefer dead or necrotic tissue.NwS larvae burrow or screw"into living tissue with sharp mouth hooks, giving them a screw-like appearance.Infested wounds quickly become infected andif ft ntreatedwilkil the infested animals. If you see LIVE animals with maggots,report to your local TPwD wildlife biologist. Early detection is key.Do not delay if you suspect an NwS infestation. Reporting is crucial to the implementation of management actions and eradication of Nws. INFESTATION MIGHT LOOK LIKE COMMON INFESTED AREAS Open sores or wounds with maggots Newborn animals'umbilical stump/navel Animals shaking heads or irritated Mucous membranes-genitaliaeyes.noseears.mouth demeanor