GoKawiilNew World Screwworm spreads to Arizona, bringing US animal case count to 74
US health officials confirmed the New World Screwworm flesh-eating parasite has spread to Arizona, becoming the third state affected alongside Texas and New Mexico. Since the flies re-entered the US in June, 74 animal infestations have been recorded, including recent attacks on four dogs and a cat. The parasite's larvae burrow into living tissue through wounds and orifices, causing severe and sometimes fatal injuries.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The outbreak marks a resurgence of a pest the US eradicated in the 1960s through sterile-fly release programs, after a biological containment barrier in Panama's Darién Gap was breached in 2022. Mexico's Ministry of Health has reported 806 human infestations and nine deaths, suggesting the parasite's spread could pose risks beyond livestock to pets, wildlife and potentially people in the US if containment efforts fail.
- Arizona becomes the third US state with confirmed New World Screwworm cases, after Texas and New Mexico
- 74 animal infestations have been documented in the US since the flies returned in June
- Mexico has reported 806 human cases and nine deaths linked to the parasite since its resurgence
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Published there as: “Flesh-eating screwworms are feasting on pets; 4 dogs and cat attacked this week”
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