Nisha Pandey

Flesh-Eating Screwworm Threat Increases In US: Why Illegal Horse Trade Is Raising Alarm?

<span>Illegal horse trade</span> across the US-Mexico border are raising fresh concerns among US officials and ranchers as the country tries to contain the spread of <span>New World screwworm</span>, a flesh-eating parasite that can cause severe and possibly fatal wounds in animals.

According to <em>Reuters, </em>horses and other animals are continuing to cross the border outside regulated channels, bypassing veterinary inspections designed to detect diseases and parasites. 

There is no confirmed link between individual smuggled horses and specific <span>screwworm</span> cases, but experts warn that uncontrolled animal movement creates a gap. 

<h2>What Is <span rel="noindex">New World</span> Screwworm?</h2>

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/flesh-eating-screwworm-parasite-detected-in-first-us-human-case-know-the-warning-signs-of-new-world-screwworm-article-152525762" data-type="tilCustomLink">New World screwworm</a>, scientifically known as <em><span rel="noindex">Cochliomyia</span> hominivorax</em>, is a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into the flesh of living animals.

Unlike ordinary maggots that generally feed on dead tissue, screwworm larvae feed on living tissue, creating wounds that can become severe as more larvae develop. The parasite can infest cattle, horses, pets and wildlife and, more rarely, humans. An untreated infestation can cause serious tissue damage and death.

The US had previously eradicated the parasite through a decades-long campaign involving the release of sterilised male flies. But New World screwworm has been moving northward through <span>Mexico</span> and is now threatening US livestock again.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/wegovy-zepbound-are-not-approved-by-us-fda-for-children-under-12-so-why-are-prescriptions-rising-article-156100397" data-type="tilCustomLink">Wegovy &amp; Zepbound Are Not Approved By US FDA For Children Under 12: So Why Are Prescriptions Rising?</a>

Animals entering the US through legal channels undergo veterinary checks and must meet health requirements. <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/usda-flags-suspected-new-world-screwworm-fly-detection-in-texas-article-154456619" data-type="tilCustomLink">Smuggled animals</a> can bypass those safeguards.

<em>Reuters </em>reported that authorities in Presidio County, <span>Texas</span>, have intercepted more than 50 smuggled horses over two years. Some were reportedly moved through remote areas along the Texas-Mexico border, making them difficult to monitor.

That matters because an infected animal can potentially carry screwworm larvae or adult flies into new areas.

<span>USDA</span> officials have described animal trafficking as a <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/abhayrab-rabies-vaccine-batch-found-misbranded-not-of-standard-quality-dcgi-alerts-states-article-156095134" data-type="tilCustomLink">biosecurity concern</a>. However, authorities have not established that illegally transported horses are responsible for particular screwworm infections in the US.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/psychedelic-compound-found-in-magic-mushrooms-may-help-prevent-painful-chemotherapy-side-effects-study-finds-article-156097745" data-type="tilCustomLink">Psychedelic Compound Found In 'Magic Mushrooms' May Help Prevent Painful Chemotherapy Side Effects, Study Finds</a> 

<h2>Why Is The US Worried About Screwworm Again?</h2>

How to Live Beyond 100? Doctor Reveals the Blueprint for Longevity

The parasite was previously eliminated from the US, making its recent return a major agricultural concern.

The <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/serum-institute-led-monoclonal-antibody-clears-dengue-viremia-fever-within-a-day-in-phase-2-trial-article-156043913" data-type="tilCustomLink">USDA</a> says New World screwworm is a devastating pest capable of causing serious, often deadly damage to livestock. It can also affect pets, wildlife and, in rare circumstances, people. 

The economic consequences include potential damage from a major Texas outbreak at up to $1.8 billion, reflecting losses to livestock and related industries. 

The threat comes as the US is also navigating the difficult balance between controlling screwworm and maintaining livestock trade with Mexico.

In August, the US began a phased reopening of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/h5n1-detected-in-captive-mink-in-us-for-first-time-should-you-be-concerned-article-156036350" data-type="tilCustomLink">Mexican cattle</a> imports after a more than year-long suspension linked to the screwworm threat. Mexico has simultaneously been releasing sterile flies and other containment efforts along its northern border. 

<h2>How Is The US Trying To Stop It?</h2>

One of the main tools is the sterile insect technique. Large numbers of male <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/bat-encounter-while-sleeping-why-you-shouldnt-ignore-the-risk-of-rabies-article-156020124" data-type="tilCustomLink">screwworm flies</a> are sterilised and released into affected areas. When they mate with wild females, they produce no viable offspring, helping reduce the population.

As of September 4, the agency said the current risk to animals and people in the US remained very low, and stressed that screwworm is not a food-safety issue. But illegal animal trade complicates those efforts.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

flesh-eating-screwworm-threat-increases-in-us-why-illegal-horse-trade-is-raising-alarm

screwworm

new world

illegal horse trade

usda

cochliomyia

texas

mexico

new world screwworm

Flesh Eating Screwworm

glp-1-drugs-are-not-approved-by-us-fda-for-children-under-12-so-why-are-prescriptions-rising

Wegovy & Zepbound Are Not Approved By US FDA For Children Under 12: So Why Are Prescriptions Rising?

the-new-nutrition-gap-why-knowing-what-to-eat-doesnt-mean-we-actually-eat-it

The New Nutrition Gap: Why Knowing What To Eat Doesn't Mean We Actually Eat It

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Illegal horse trade across the US-Mexico border are raising fresh concerns among US officials and ranchers as the country tries to contain the spread of New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that can cause severe and possibly fatal wounds in animals.According to Reuters, horses and other animals are continuing to cross the border outside regulated channels, bypassing veterinary inspections designed to detect diseases and parasites. There is no confirmed link between individual smuggled horses and specific screwworm cases, but experts warn that uncontrolled animal movement creates a gap. What Is New World Screwworm?New World screwworm, scientifically known as Cochliomyia hominivorax, is a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into the flesh of living animals.Unlike ordinary maggots that generally feed on dead tissue, screwworm larvae feed on living tissue, creating wounds that can become severe as more larvae develop. The parasite can infest cattle, horses, pets and wildlife and, more rarely, humans. An untreated infestation can cause serious tissue damage and death.The US had previously eradicated the parasite through a decades-long campaign involving the release of sterilised male flies. But New World screwworm has been moving northward through Mexico and is now threatening US livestock again.Also read: Wegovy & Zepbound Are Not Approved By US FDA For Children Under 12: So Why Are Prescriptions Rising?Smuggled Horses Are A ConcernAnimals entering the US through legal channels undergo veterinary checks and must meet health requirements. Smuggled animals can bypass those safeguards.Reuters reported that authorities in Presidio County, Texas, have intercepted more than 50 smuggled horses over two years. Some were reportedly moved through remote areas along the Texas-Mexico border, making them difficult to monitor.That matters because an infected animal can potentially carry screwworm larvae or adult flies into new areas.USDA officials have described animal trafficking as a biosecurity concern. However, authorities have not established that illegally transported horses are responsible for particular screwworm infections in the US.Also read: Psychedelic Compound Found In 'Magic Mushrooms' May Help Prevent Painful Chemotherapy Side Effects, Study Finds Why Is The US Worried About Screwworm Again?                        The parasite was previously eliminated from the US, making its recent return a major agricultural concern.The USDA says New World screwworm is a devastating pest capable of causing serious, often deadly damage to livestock. It can also affect pets, wildlife and, in rare circumstances, people. The economic consequences include potential damage from a major Texas outbreak at up to $1.8 billion, reflecting losses to livestock and related industries. The threat comes as the US is also navigating the difficult balance between controlling screwworm and maintaining livestock trade with Mexico.In August, the US began a phased reopening of Mexican cattle imports after a more than year-long suspension linked to the screwworm threat. Mexico has simultaneously been releasing sterile flies and other containment efforts along its northern border. How Is The US Trying To Stop It?One of the main tools is the sterile insect technique. Large numbers of male screwworm flies are sterilised and released into affected areas. When they mate with wild females, they produce no viable offspring, helping reduce the population.As of September 4, the agency said the current risk to animals and people in the US remained very low, and stressed that screwworm is not a food-safety issue. But illegal animal trade complicates those efforts.

flesh-eating screwworm threat increases in us: why illegal horse trade is raising alarm?

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Flesh-Eating Screwworm Threat Increases In US: Why Illegal Horse Trade Is Raising Alarm?

Wegovy & Zepbound Are Not Approved By US FDA For Children Under 12: So Why Are Prescriptions Rising?

Psychedelic Compound Found In 'Magic Mushrooms' May Help Prevent Painful Chemotherapy Side Effects, Study Finds

Heart Disease Can Damage Your Kidneys And Vice-Versa: New Guidelines Explain Why

Health Conditions A-Z

Flesh-Eating Screwworm Threat Increases In US: Why Illegal Horse Trade Is Raising Alarm?

Wegovy & Zepbound Are Not Approved By US FDA For Children Under 12: So Why Are Prescriptions Rising?

The New Nutrition Gap: Why Knowing What To Eat Doesn't Mean We Actually Eat It