You may have seen New World screwworm (NWS) in the news recently. But what is it-and why is it a One Health issue?
New World screwworm is a parasitic fly that can affect warm-blooded animals, including pets, livestock, wildlife, and people. The fly lays eggs in wounds or body openings. After the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on living tissue.
The current risk to people and animals in the United States remains very low. There have been no locally acquired human cases reported in the U.S. during the current outbreak. However, animal cases have been detected in parts of Texas and New Mexico, making surveillance and preparedness increasingly important.
There was also a new development this week. On August 13, the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization allowing Simparica TRIO to be used to treat New World screwworm infestations in dogs and puppies. The authorization is for treatment-not prevention.
๐ Where does One Health come in?
Responding to NWS requires much more than treating an individual animal.
๐พ Animal health: Veterinarians, animal health officials, pet families, livestock producers, and wildlife professionals need to recognize and report possible cases.
๐ฅ Human health: People can also become infected, so healthcare providers and public health agencies are part of surveillance and response.
๐ฟ Shared environment: The movement and reproduction of the fly connects wildlife, domestic animals, people, geography, and environmental conditions.
๐ฌ Systems and science: USDA is using surveillance, research, cross-agency coordination, movement controls, and the sterile insect technique-releasing sterile flies to interrupt reproduction and reduce the population.
This is One Health in practice: animal health, human health, and our shared environment cannot be addressed in isolation.
Learn more
๐ USDA/Screwworm.gov: Current status, response information, and resources for pet owners, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, healthcare providers, researchers, and others.
๐ CDC: New World screwworm outbreak information and guidance for people and pets.
๐ FDA: Information about the August 13 Emergency Use Authorization and other animal drugs authorized or conditionally approved for NWS.
๐ฌ What part of the New World screwworm response stands out to you as an example of One Health in action?
And before the recent news, had you heard of New World screwworm?
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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Center for Pet Family Well-Being
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