Digital Assignment Editor
As part of an ongoing effort to educate the public about the screwworm, New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service has released a new publication that outlines and illustrates the general biology and characteristics of adult New World screwworm flies.
The free guide helps readers understand New Mexico’s screwworm and its threats.
With 41 cases reported in Catron, Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, Otero, Eddy and Sierra counties and 121 national cases reported this week, officials are reminding the public of the danger to livestock, wildlife, and pets.
The guide, which includes pictures of real infections, aims to illustrate the seriousness of New World screwworm.
Caleb Hubbard, assistant professor in NMSU’s Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science, who co-wrote the new publication with Marcy Ward and Brandon Smythe, says that screwworm is “rapidly evolving” and weather may be contributing to the growing number of cases.
He says he is also hopeful that screwworm activity and infestations may decline as temperatures drop this fall and winter.
Following confirmed screwworm cases in Doña Ana County, the New Mexico Livestock Board established animal inspection and travel requirements to help prevent its spread. To learn more about the requirements, visit https://nmsu.news/NWS-Travel-Requirements.
The free guide can be found at: General New World Screwworm Biology and Identification | New Mexico State University – BE BOLD. Shape the Future.
