{"id":2457922,"date":"2025-07-10T11:29:01","date_gmt":"2025-07-10T15:29:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/how-much-danger-does-the-new-world-screwworm-in-cattle-pose-to-humans\/"},"modified":"2025-07-10T11:33:02","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T15:33:02","slug":"how-much-danger-does-the-new-world-screwworm-in-cattle-pose-to-humans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/how-much-danger-does-the-new-world-screwworm-in-cattle-pose-to-humans\/","title":{"rendered":"How much danger does the New World screwworm in cattle pose to humans?"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">26<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fhow-much-danger-does-the-new-world-screwworm-in-cattle-pose-to-humans%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2457922&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The U.S. Department of Agriculture has halted cattle shipments from Mexico due to the reemergence of the New world screwworm, a parasitic fly that poses serious <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/oregon-governor-encourages-people-to-call-police-on-neighbors-violating-covid-orders\/\" title=\"Oregon Governor Encourages People To Call Police On Neighbors Violating COVID Orders\">health risks<\/a> to livestock. This marks at least the second suspension of such imports this year as outbreaks persist in northern Mexico. The New World screwworm, previously eradicated in the U.S. in 1966, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/6-lessons-from-a-once-reluctant-backyard-chicken-farmer\/\" title=\"6 Lessons From A Once-Reluctant Backyard Chicken Farmer\">lays eggs<\/a> in wounds of warm-blooded animals, with larvae that feed on living tissue, potentially causing fatal infections known as myiasis if untreated. Even though primarily affecting animals, the screwworm can rarely infest humans, causing painful wounds and bleeding. Cases have been reported in Mexico, with early detection and removal of larvae being crucial; no medications exist for treatment. The recent spread of screwworms close to the U.S. border has led to temporary import restrictions to prevent outbreaks that could severely impact livestock health,wildlife,pets,and the U.S. beef industry&#8217;s economy.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">New World screwworm reports halt cattle shipments from Mexico. How much danger do the parasites pose to humans?<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2159798\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>The reemergence of the New World screwworm, which <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/ozempic-is-a-permanent-treatment-to-a-preventable-problem-that-already-has-a-cure\/\" title=\"Ozempic: A lasting solution for a preventable issue with a cure.\">poses significant health risks<\/a> for livestock, has prompted the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/department-of-agriculture\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Department of Agriculture\">Department of Agriculture<\/a> to halt cattle shipments from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/mexico\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Mexico\">Mexico<\/a> to the United States.<\/p>\n<p>The move marks at least the second time this year that cattle imports from Mexico have been suspended over the parasitic fly.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/washington-secrets\/3467648\/flip-flop-justice-search-for-epstein-files-is-still-ongoing\/\">Flip-flop: Justice search for Epstein files is still &#8216;ongoing&#8217;<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/3467635\/tudor-dixon-rules-out-run-michigan-governor-senate\/\">Tudor Dixon rules out run for governor or Senate in Michigan<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3467586\/wisconsin-redistricting-lawsuit-new-strategy-supreme-court-dismissed\/\">Wisconsin redistricting lawsuit tries new strategy after Supreme Court dismissed similar case<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/USDA\/status\/1943124970122457226\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"made the announcement\">made the announcement<\/a> late Wednesday, issuing a warning about the &ldquo;deadly pest.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Here are details on the New World screwworm and whether it poses a danger to humans.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the New World screwworm?<\/h2>\n<p>The New World screwworm remains endemic in parts of the Caribbean and South America. The insect was previously eradicated from the U.S. in 1966, although there&rsquo;s potential for its reintroduction in the nation through Central America and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/Mexico\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Mexico<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >female screwworm typically lays eggs<\/a> in the wounds or mucus membranes of a warm-blooded animal, such as a horse or cow. Once the eggs hatch, the fly larvae feed on the host&rsquo;s living tissue with their sharp mouths.<\/p>\n<p>The insect&rsquo;s name refers to how the species burrows, or screws, into healthy tissue.<\/p>\n<p>If left untreated, the host could eventually die from myiasis.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Health risks for humans<\/h2>\n<p>While the disease primarily infects livestock, New World screwworm myiasis can affect humans, albeit rarely.<\/p>\n<p>The infestations in humans often cause painful wounds and bleeding from open sores, among other symptoms that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cite. A foul smell from the wound may also occur.<\/p>\n<p>People who travel to South America and the Caribbean, where these insects are located, have a greater risk of becoming infected if they have open wounds, the CDC says. Others who have compromised immune systems or are otherwise malnourished also have a higher risk of infection. Mexico reported the first case of a human infection in April, and the patient was treated and remained in stable condition. As of May 30, there were 8 cases in Mexico.  <\/p>\n<p>Early detection of New World screwworm is crucial for the host&rsquo;s survival. Treatment includes prompt removal of the larvae from the human&rsquo;s wound or orifice. There is no medication to treat the disease.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Closures of cattle shipments<\/h2>\n<p>The U.S. last halted cattle, horse, and bison imports from Mexico in May. The decision was made due to the rapid spread of screwworm cases in northern Mexico, about 700 miles from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/border-crisis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">southern border<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The imports briefly resumed this week, only to be shut down again. The initial reopening phase began with a port of entry near Douglas, Arizona.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/3467505\/agriculture-department-halts-livestock-trade-parasitic-fly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT HALTS LIVESTOCK TRADE AT SOUTHERN PORTS DUE TO PARASITIC FLY\">AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT HALTS LIVESTOCK TRADE AT SOUTHERN PORTS DUE TO PARASITIC FLY<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The latest detection of screwworm cases happened about 370 miles south of the border.<\/p>\n<p>If the New World screwworm were to start another outbreak in the U.S. like in the 1950s and 1960s, the parasite could fatally affect livestock, pets, wildlife, and potentially humans. An outbreak could also lead to costly economic losses for the U.S. beef industry and contribute to higher beef prices.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_2159798\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"2159798\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>New World screwworm stops Mexico cattle imports again. Human risk?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2159,"featured_media":2457923,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/screwworm.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[58810,58813,58812,58809,58811],"class_list":["post-2457922","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-cattle-infestation","tag-human-safety","tag-livestock-health","tag-new-world-screwworm","tag-zoonotic-risk"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/screwworm.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2457922","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2159"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2457922"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2457922\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2457926,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2457922\/revisions\/2457926"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2457923"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2457922"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2457922"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2457922"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}