Alabama farmers vigilant for flesh-eating parasite found in US: What to know
Cases have been reported in Texas and New Mexico.
Chloe Mitchell 
While Alabama has not yet recorded any cases of a dangerous, flesh-eating parasite, state agricultural experts are urging local cattle producers to remain on high alert.
New concerns in the U.S.
Recent reports confirm the presence of the New World Screwworm in Texas and New Mexico. According to the American Farm Bureau Association, these are the first domestic cases identified in the U.S. in more than 60 years.
Dr. Soren Rodning, a veterinarian with Alabama Extension, emphasized that the New World Screwworm is a significant health concern for livestock, though he clarified that it does not pose a food safety or quality threat. The parasite targets the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, including pets, wildlife, and livestock. While rare, human cases have occurred; a human case was documented last year in Maryland, though such instances are seldom fatal.
A historical perspective
The screwworm was once a widespread problem across the South during the 1930s. The industry eventually utilized the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), which involved releasing billions of sterile flies to disrupt the mating cycle and effectively eradicate the pest by 1966.
Proactive management for Alabama producers
Rodning advises producers to prioritize routine fly control measures and closely monitor their herds for any unusual signs of the parasite. Beyond the specific threat of the screwworm, Alabama farmers must also contend with other damaging species, such as horn, stable, heel, and blow flies. The common horn fly alone is responsible for millions of dollars in annual losses due to its impact on cattle weight, blood loss, dehydration, and decreased milk production.
"There is so much more to fly control than just pesticides," Rodning noted. "Keeping water troughs clean and properly managing grazing and pastures can help control external parasite populations. Producers should only use pesticides as part of a comprehensive and integrated pest management program."
For those looking to learn more about protecting their livestock, the Alabama Extension offers a detailed guide, “Managing External Parasites of Beef Cattle in the Southeast,” which can be found at aces.edu.
If you suspect the presence of the New World screwworm in your herd, contact Alabama state veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier immediately at (334) 240-7253. Stay tuned to 205focus.com for any further updates on this developing situation.
