New World screwworm returns to the U.S.; UC San Diego launches risk-tracking dashboard
The flesh-eating New World screwworm has reappeared in Texas and New Mexico, prompting officials to revive eradication tactics and a new UC San Diego risk-mapping tool.
New World screwworm, a fly whose larvae feed on living tissue, has resurfaced in Texas and New Mexico, reviving concerns for livestock, wildlife, pets and occasional human cases. UC San Diego scientists and San Diego County health officials created a county-by-county risk dashboard that aggregates confirmed detections, favorable environmental conditions and even news-media alerts to anticipate future hotspots. The tool, currently limited to public-health partners, aims to be publicly available later.
Federal agencies are reactivating the sterile insect technique that eliminated the pest in the 1950s and are pursuing EPA approval for a field-tested genetically modified all-male strain. Veterinary and wildlife professionals are being coordinated through the California Department of Food and Agriculture to enhance early detection. The effort is part of the CDC-funded Resilient Shield initiative, which links academic expertise with real-world public-health needs. Researchers are also exploring next-generation genetic methods to bolster long-term control.
Why it matters
The reemergence threatens U.S. agriculture, wildlife and public health, prompting costly eradication measures.
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