Texas officials warn of "maneater" screwworm that burrows into open wounds, eyes and mouths to lay eggs
Just one fly can lay up to 300 eggs at a time and is drawn "to the odor of a wound or natural opening on a live, warm-blooded animal."
Texas Issues Parasite Warning—Insect Lays Eggs in Eyes and Mouths
There are concerns New World screwworm flies, which can be dangerous to humans, could cross into southern Texas.
"Maneater" screwworm that lays eggs in nostrils and open wounds headed towards Texas
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sent out an advisory warning hunters, livestock owners, and outdoorsy folks near the southern border to watch out for a flesh-eating parasite known as the New World Screwworm.
Texas officials warn of infectious, parasitic worms that ‘screw into flesh’
A parasitic worm eradicated in the United States nearly 60 years ago could be threatening a comeback, Texas wildlife officials warn. The New World Screwworm was recently detected in Mexico, and the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife is asking people in South Texas to watch out for animals affected by the screwworms.
What is the New World screwworm and why does it have Texas officials on alert?
"Those enjoying Texas' natural resources have an opportunity to serve as the first line of defense in protecting wildlife, livestock, and human health," said Dr. J Hunter Reed, TPWD wildlife veterinarian, in a news release. "Their eyes and ears will be critical to quickly responding and managing this threat."
Deadly ‘screwworm’ detected near Texas that lays eggs in ‘open wounds’
The screwworm can be devastating to crops and livestock, as it can cause serious, often fatal damage to living things.
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Could The Screwworm Be Texas’ Disgusting New Invader
The New World Screwworm is a fly larva that finds its home in the wounds, nostrils, and even the eyes of warm-blooded animals ...
Texas on alert for invasive flesh-eating parasite not seen since the 1960s
The flesh-eating fly larvae, which were recently detected in Mexico, were declared eradicated from Texas in the 1960s.