Arizona reports first screwworm case in dog since 1966

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 29 Oct, 04:44 · Archive

Arizona confirmed its first case of New World screwworm, a parasitic fly, in a dog in Cochise County.

Arizona's Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday that the state's first case of New World screwworm, a parasitic fly, was found in a dog living on a ranch in Cochise County. A local veterinarian discovered a wound on the dog's back heavily infested with maggots on 26 October, and testing confirmed it was New World screwworm.

New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, mostly livestock, and in some cases people. The parasite had been eradicated from the United States in 1966. State Veterinarian Ryan Wolker said: 'This was a pest that was previously eradicated from the United States in 1966, and we haven't seen it in the better part of 50 years.' The infected dog has no movement history, and other livestock on the ranch will be evaluated. Officials said the parasite is 'very treatable'.

The fly has steadily moved northward from South America through Central America and Mexico since 2023. The first United States animal case was reported on 3 June by the Department of Agriculture, with multiple cases since reported in New Mexico and Texas in sheep or cattle, but this is the first case in a dog.

The USDA has established an 'Infested Zone' around the area where the parasite was found and will increase animal surveillance and outreach. The USDA gave the University of Arizona a 3.74 million dollar grant earlier this year to increase the state's preparedness. Arizona officials continue to advocate for a Sterile Fly Facility expected to open in Douglas, Arizona.

Arizona reports first screwworm case in dog since 1966 — Image: Azfamily

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How it is being reported

Arizona confirms first case of flesh-eating parasite in Cochise County dogThere have been no human infestations acquired in the U.S., and officials say risk to people remains very low.Azfamily · 29 Oct, 04:12
Arizona confirms first case of flesh-eating parasite in Cochise County dogThere have been no human infestations acquired in the U.S., and officials say risk to people remains very low.KOLD · 29 Oct, 04:12
First screwworm case in Arizona found in Cochise County dogThere have been no human infestations acquired in the U.S., and officials say risk to people remains very low.Azfamily · 28 Oct, 22:01
First screwworm case in Arizona found in Cochise County dogThere have been no human infestations acquired in the U.S., and officials say risk to people remains very low.KOLD · 28 Oct, 22:01

In this story: Arizona · Cochise County · Arizona Department of Agriculture · Ryan Wolker · New Mexico · Texas · Douglas · University of Arizona

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