Utah prepares after first case of New World Screwworm confirmed in United States since 1968

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is making preparations after a case of New World screwworm (NWS) was confirmed in Texas.

According to an announcement from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), the case was identified in Texas near the southern border and is currently the only confirmed case in the United States.

Dr. Sabo, Utah’s Assistant State Veterinarian, says that the fly has been moving up South and Central America over several years and has been found in livestock in the U.S for the first time since it was eradicated in 1968.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that New World screwworm is a parasitic fly that feeds on the tissue or flesh of warm-blooded animals and people. NWS are attracted to wounds and body openings where they lay eggs.

NWS can pose a specific threat to livestock and on the food supply. UDAF says it could cost billions in treatment costs and in loss of livestock production. Additionally, while human cases are rare, individuals who work or spend extended amounts of time with or near livestock and warm-blooded animals are at a higher risk.

While there have not been any confirmed cases in Utah, officials say that they have been preparing to handle NWS since mid-2025 and have response plans in place to mitigate any spread.

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“We want to be very clear that there is no public health or food safety concern with
regards to New World screwworm at this time,” said UDAF Commissioner Kelly Pehrson. “While we are ready to take action and eliminate it, NWS does not currently pose a risk to the
food supply.”

Dog and cat owners are now required to obtain a health certificate from a veterinarian in order to bring their pets into Utah from Texas.

UDAF is also encouraging livestock producers to regularly inspect their animals or any signs of the parasite. Symptoms include seeing or feeling maggots, skin wounds or sores that worsen, and foul-smelling odors and bleeding from open sores.

“When it is here, we have to reduce livestock movement, and unfortunately, that does have an impact on animal businesses” Sabo said.

“The U.S. has eradicated this fly before and we will do it again,” said state veterinarian
Dr. Amanda Price. “The keys to eradication are rapid detection, compliance with quarantine and
movement restrictions, delaying procedures, and sterile fly release.”

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