A terrifying flesh-eating parasite that eats animals from the inside out is pouring across the US border from cattle imported from Mexico. The parasite, commonly called a New World screwworm, was eliminated in North America in the late 19th century, but has made a return as cattle from Panama are being smuggled into the nation.
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The US Department of Agriculture (USAD) was alerted about the invasion last month after livestock at the border was infected, warning the parasite could have moved into the nation. Screwworm larvae are creamy white in color and are deposited on the edge of superficial wounds.
When the eggs hatch, they typically enter the bloodstream through the open wound and will not only infest themselves in livestock, but can also burrow their way into humans. The Chief Veterinary Officer of Mexico notified the US that it had found in infestation in a cow in the southern Mexico state of Chiapas during an inspection near the Guatemala border.
Because it is so difficult to identify screwworm infestations, it is possible that infected cattle have crossed into the US - although the USDA has not stated how many may have been impacted. The USDA has asked cattle producers to monitor their livestock and pets to stop the screwworm's spread and to immediately report any possible cases.
Screwworm larvae (pictured) are placed around the edges of superficial wounds and will burrow their way inside the skin of livestock and humans. US Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Rosemary Sifford said that 'given the northward movement of NWS, APHIS has in recent months stepped up its efforts in Central America to partner with impacted countries to push this pest out of newly affected areas.
