06/10/2026
New World Screwworm (NWS) Alert
As of right now, we do not have any cases in Arkansas, or close to our border. This is not a post to scare anyone, just to be aware.
The New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, causing severe and painful wounds. While eradicated from the U.S. in 1966, recent detections in New Mexico and Texas have warranted renewed attention on prevention and monitoring.
Key facts:
• Adult flies lay eggs in open wounds or body openings.
• Hatched larvae (maggots) feed on live tissue.
• Livestock are especially vulnerable, including newborn animals.
• Untreated infestations can cause serious health impacts.
Prevention tips for livestock owners:
• Regularly inspect animals for cuts, wounds, and signs of infestation.
• Closely monitor procedures that create wounds (castration, dehorning, ear tagging, tail docking, shearing cuts). When wounds occur you should be spraying areas with fly spray.
• Pay special attention to newborn animal’s umbilical cords.
• Maintain good sanitation and promptly treat wounds according to veterinary guidance.
Products we have that prevent NWS infestation:
1. Exzolt-provides 12 weeks prevention but also does help with ticks and flies, which is important for control of Theilieria and Anaplasma.
2. Dectomax pour on and injectable will provide 30 days of prevention.
Other ivermectin pours on should help and general fly spray and tags should help but not labeled for it.
Early detection and prompt treatment are critical to protecting animal health and preventing the spread of New World Screwworm.
