A plan to reopen U.S.-Mexico crossings to livestock was scuttled after the invention of a New World screwworm 370 miles south of the border.
The map above exhibits the ports of entry affected by the U.S. Agriculture Division’s July 9 announcement and the approximate areas of the newest sightings.
What’s the New World screwworm?
A parasite whose larvae hatch in wounds on mammals and feed on the host’s flesh and fluids. Infestations in livestock might trigger massive financial losses.
Is it present in the US?
After a devastating 1972 outbreak in six states — California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas — the US labored with Mexico to largely eradicate the screwworm. Its reappearance in southern Mexico was famous in November 2024, and since then the sightings have been transferring north.
How is it combated?
The principal technique is to breed sterile male flies and launch them to mate, which produces non-viable eggs. There’s one such “fly factory,” in Panama, and the Agriculture Division’s technique calls for brand new amenities in Mexico and Texas.
Do they infect folks?
Sure, although the Facilities for Illness Management says human circumstances are uncommon. There is no such thing as a examined treatment; the remedy is removing of the worms from the wound.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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