New Mexico ag officials announce expanded surveillance following new screwworm case

New Mexico agriculture officials on Friday confirmed expanded surveillance following the Sept. 17 detection of a second New World screwworm case, afflicting a horse in Grant County.

“We are working as quickly as possible to increase surveillance, inspect animals and monitor for additional cases in and around the affected area,” State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck with the New Mexico Livestock Board said in a statement.

The pest, which has advanced rapidly through Mexico after being mainly contained in Central America for several decades, is named for the maggot’s behavior of feeding on live tissue. The fly made its first new incursion to the United States in early June, when it was detected in a south Texas calf. Officials subsequently identified a separate infection in a Lea County dog in New Mexico a few days later. The state has since stood up a stand-alone website, screwwormnm.org with resources and reporting information.

The expanded surveillance and fly-trapping following last week’s new case includes establishing a minimum 12.4-mile radius infested zone around the affected animal’s location, according to a news release from the state agriculture department, within which animals must be inspected and, if necessary, treated.

The agency says that routine animal movement, in which animals are transported to livestock auctions, fairs, vet appointments or other types of trips won’t be restricted unless an inspector identifies higher-risk situations.

In addition, the New Mexico Department of Wildlife (formerly the Game and Fish Department) is coordinating with the New Mexico Livestock Board to address wildlife surveillance and monitor hunting activities. The news release advises hunters, animal owners and others to “remain vigilant” and monitor horses, dogs and other animals for signs of New World screwworm, which include: wounds that don’t heal or worsen over time; wounds with maggots; wounds that smell badly; animals persistently licking or otherwise aggravating a wound; and any unusual behavior/irritation around the site of an injury.

“We appreciate the continued vigilance and cooperation of livestock producers, veterinarians, pet owners and other stakeholders as we respond to this second confirmed case of New World screwworm in New Mexico,” New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte said in a statement. “Our immediate focus is expanding surveillance around the affected area so we can identify any additional cases as quickly as possible. Early detection and prompt reporting are critical to limiting the spread of this pest, and we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and work closely with animal health officials.”

United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins last week visited Santa Teresa last week to announce the opening of the cattle crossing there; which the agency says remains on track to take place on Sept. 24 despite the new case.

Additional information, maps of affected areas, reporting resources and updates are available at ScrewwormNM.org.