The Lawrence County Cooperative Extension Office has reported encouraging progress in the containment of the New World screwworm, a parasitic pest that poses risks to livestock and domestic animals. According to the latest update, the number of active cases has steadily declined over the past three months, with only two cases currently reported in Southwest Texas.
Officials stated that no screwworm flies have been detected in the traps strategically placed for monitoring, a sign that the spread is under control. Although current cases remain far from Arkansas, the Extension Office emphasized vigilance, particularly for livestock owners. Farmers are advised to thoroughly inspect wounds on their animals and closely monitor any new animals introduced into their operations.
So far, confirmed cases of New World screwworm have been identified in cattle, dogs, and sheep. Fortunately, no cases have been documented in wildlife at this time.
The New World screwworm, scientifically known as *Cochliomyia hominivorax*, is a parasitic fly whose larvae can infest open wounds in warm-blooded animals, potentially causing severe health problems. While Arkansas remains unaffected, the Extension Office continues to stress the importance of proactive animal care to detect and prevent outbreaks.