Screw worms

New World screw worm infestations of the U.S. had a century of history up to the 1950s and 60s. Screw worms cannot eat through the unbroken skin of a healthy animal. Injuries such as scratches, cuts, or even insect bites are open invitations to disaster. The female fly deposits her eggs around the edges of wounds. The eggs develop into worm like larvae. They feed in clusters. Any warm blooded animal is subject to screw worm attack. Screw worm infestations, if left untreated, can result in death. Calves that survive may be crippled with joint disease. Speaker2: Once a threat to our nation's cattle and livestock industry threatens to make a return. New world screw worm. Speaker3: The NWS is a scourge that is making its way from Latin America up through Mexico. And if it hits America, it is going to be absolutely devastating to our cattle industry at the top of the list, frankly, to a lot of our industries. Speaker2: And as this pest moves closer to our country. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is among those increasing prevention and eradication efforts. That includes a recently announced plan, which contains. Speaker3: A sterile fly dispersal facility at Moore Air Base in Hidalgo County. Investing in innovative research to develop novel treatments, preventative and response strategies.