Cooler weather may slow New World screwworm activity in New Mexico. But officials warn the risk remains as they are responding to a confirmed case in a beef cow in Otero County.
New Mexico officials are responding to a confirmed New World screwworm case in a beef cow in Otero County, the state’s fifth case since the pest returned to the U.S. this summer. Authorities have established a 12.4-mile infested zone requiring animal inspection and treatment, while increasing surveillance and fly trapping.
State officials, including Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck and Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte, note that cooler weather may slow screwworm activity but does not eliminate risk. They urge livestock owners to monitor animals, report suspected infestations, and avoid moving affected animals, directing them to ScrewwormNM.org for resources.
State and federal officials are increasing surveillance and setting additional fly traps in the area to identify any other cases and determine whether the pest has spread beyond the original animal.
Officials have established an infested zone with at least a 12.4-mile radius around the site where the affected animal was found. Animals in the zone must be inspected and treated, if necessary, before they can be moved within or out of the area.
“We are working closely with our state and federal partners to investigate these cases, increase surveillance and monitor for additional infestations,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck of the New Mexico Livestock Board.
New World screwworm larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, including livestock. If left untreated, infestations can cause serious wounds and may be fatal. Adult flies lay eggs in wounds, and the larvae burrow into the tissue as they feed.
The case is New Mexico’s fifth since the parasitic fly returned to the United States this summer, according to Searchlight New Mexico. Previous cases in New Mexico involved a dog in Lea County, as well as two horses and a calf in Grant County.
New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte also urged continued caution.
“This is a critical time as we move toward cooler weather. Cold daytime temperatures can slow screwworm activity, but the risk is not completely eliminated,” Witte said.
Witte said ongoing surveillance and coordination between state and federal agencies will help officials detect new cases early and reduce the pest’s impact through the fall and into next spring.
He urged livestock producers and animal owners to stay alert, monitor their animals closely and quickly report any suspected infestations.
Anyone who suspects a New World screwworm infestation should contact the New Mexico Livestock Board immediately and avoid moving the affected animal.
Additional information, maps of affected areas, reporting resources, and updates are available at ScrewwormNM.org.
