Resurgence of Flesh-eating Screwworm Threatens U.S. Livestock

WHO:

Phys.org - Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are involved in tracking the New World screwworm.

Science Daily - UC San Diego is developing a tracking system for the New World screwworm.

WHAT:

Phys.org - New cases of New World screwworm have surfaced in the United States.

Science Daily - The New World screwworm threatens livestock, wildlife, pets, and potentially people as it spreads north.

Science Daily - Officials are reviving the eradication strategy that previously defeated the New World screwworm.

WHERE:

Phys.org - The New World screwworm is affecting the United States.

Science Daily - The parasite is spreading north within the U.S.

WHEN:

Science Daily - A new tracking system is being implemented to predict future infestations.

WHY:

Phys.org - There is a critical need to track the paths of the New World screwworm to determine where future infestations may occur.

HOW:

Phys.org - USDA agencies are employing predictive models to manage the New World screwworm.

Science Daily - The tracking system aims to predict where the parasite could strike next.

(UPDATED September 16, 2026 02:02 UTC)

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service are tracking the New World screwworm, which has recently resurfaced in the United States and poses a threat to livestock, wildlife, pets, and potentially humans as it spreads north. In response, officials are reviving an eradication strategy that successfully defeated the parasite in the past, while UC San Diego is developing a new tracking system to predict future infestations. This critical initiative aims to utilize predictive models to manage the New World screwworm and determine where it may strike next.