The New World screwworm is the larvae of the fly Cochliomyia hominivorax. It was recently detected in Mexico near the Guatemala border and could have devastating impacts on livestock and wildlife in the United States, said Christine Navarre, LSU AgCenter extension veterinarian. Adobe Stock photo
As many know, typical fly larvae, or maggots, only feed on dead tissue. But that is not the case of the New World screwworm larvae, which feed on live tissue. LSU AgCenter extension veterinarian Christine Navarre said this can lead to more severe and potentially deadly consequences, which threaten livestock and wildlife populations.
Also known as primary screwworms, the New World screwworms are t...
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