The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has put a formal emergency response into effect after New World screwworm infections were discovered in animals in the country for the first time in decades.
Agency officials assembled a team of career scientists to oversee surveillance of the outbreak and to collaborate with local health departments, following approval of the response plan by interim CDC leader Jay Bhattacharya, according to a report citing an internal document.
At least four cases have been confirmed in U.S. cattle and a goat in Texas, and a dog in New Mexico has also tested positive for the parasite. The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly that deposits eggs in open wounds or natural body openings of warm-blooded animals. Those eggs hatch into maggots that consume tissue, producing painful wounds; the condition can be fatal.
The CDC's role typically includes preparing for potential human infestations, while the U.S. Department of Agriculture is leading the animal health response. The USDA's efforts focus on monitoring affected cattle and wildlife and taking steps to halt the spread of the flies.
Officials from the USDA have said that infestations are treatable and that the nation’s food supply remains safe. Requests for comment sent to representatives of the Department of Health and Human Services and the CDC did not receive immediate responses.
Context and next steps
The activated emergency response establishes a cross-disciplinary team within the CDC to provide scientific oversight and coordination with state and local authorities. At the same time, the USDA continues to direct field operations for animal health monitoring and containment aimed at preventing further spread among livestock and wildlife.
Because the parasite can cause severe wounds and can be fatal, detection in multiple animals across two states has prompted heightened surveillance and interagency coordination. Officials emphasize that clinical treatments exist for infestations and maintain that food safety has not been compromised.
Public health and agriculture officials will likely continue to monitor the situation closely and report further findings as investigations progress.