New World Screwworm

New World Screwworm - Tséʼédǫ́ʼii bichʼosh naʼayąʼii

What is New World Screwworm?

Tséʼédǫ́ʼii bichʼosh naʼayąʼii – fly larvae flesh eating worm

New World Screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae (maggots) feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals including livestock, pets, and wildlife and in rare cases humans.

Unlike common maggots that feed on dead or decaying tissue, New World Screwworm larvae invade healthy, living tissue. Female flies deposit eggs in open wounds or natural body openings. Once hatched, the larvae burrow into the flesh and feed on living tissue, causing severe injury, infection, suffering and potentially death if left untreated.

Current Status

There are no confirmed cases of New World Screwworm on the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Nation Department of Agriculture is working closely with:

Navajo Nation Department of Resource Enforcement
Navajo Nation Department of Health
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS
State Animal Health Officials
Veterinary Professionals (Local & State)
Grazing Officials and District Land Boards

Should a positive case be confirmed within Navajo Nation boundaries, the Navajo Nation Core Response Group (Navajo Nation Foreign Animal Disease Emergency Response Plan) will be activated to implement emergency response measures designated to protect livestock, companion animals, wildlife resources and public health.

Status updates and additional information regarding New World Screwworm are available at:
www.screwworm.gov
www.screwwormnm.org

What to Look For

Animal owners are encouraged to inspect their animals daily and watch for:

Draining, enlarging, or foul-smelling wounds
Maggots or egg masses in wounds
Signs of discomfort, irritation, or unusual behavior
Excessive licking, biting, or rubbing of wounds
Loss of appetite or weight loss
Lesions around the ears, eyes, nose, mouth, navel, tailhead or genital area
Bloody discharge around wounds
Separation from the herd or flock

High-risk situations include:

Branding
Castration
Dehorning
Eartagging
Shearing injuries
Fence injuries
Difficult births
Any open wound or surgical procedure

Prevention

Animal owners can help reduce the risk of infestation by:

Inspection of animals regularly
Treating and cleaning wounds promptly

Practicing routine fly control measures
Maintaining good nutrition and herd health

Monitoring newborn animals closely
Seeking veterinary assistance when unusual wound activity is observed

Do not ignore wounds that appear to be worsening or contain maggots. Prompt treatment and reporting are essential to preventing the spread ofNew World Screwworm.

Reporting Suspected Cases:

Anyone who suspects an infestation should immediately contact the Navajo Nation Veterinary Program, the Navajo Nation Department ofAgriculture (NNDA), the Department ofResource Enforcement (DRE), their local Grazing Official, or District Land Board Member.

When reporting a suspected case, please provide:

Owner name and contact information
Location of animals (GPS Coordinates)
Species and number of animals affected
Date the infestation was first observed
Photographs, if available

Do not move affected animals unless directed by animal health officials. Early detection and reporting are critical to protecting animal health and preventing the spread of this pest.

Contact Phone Number

Navajo Department of Health

928-357-6757

Navajo Vet Program

505-397-5355

Navajo Animal Control Program

928-871-6450