Screwworm: Is it dangerous for humans?

The screwworm has caused the United States government to close its border to live cattle from Mexico, but what exactly is it? Is it dangerous to humans?

Yes, screwworm infestation, caused by the larvae of the fly Cochliomyia hominivorax , represents a risk to the health of livestock, other animals and even humans .

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the World Organization for Animal Health, symptoms of infestation include fever, depression, loss of appetite, decreased milk production, and weight gain . These warning signs are associated with preexisting wounds on the animal, which are often large and oozing, with bloody discharge and a rotten smell where the larvae are located .

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The infection can be fatal if not treated within the first two weeks, but it is also curable .

Treatment includes wound cleaning and physical removal of the larvae from the infested tissue . Larvicides should be applied and the wound cared for to prevent secondary infections, and the infected animal should be taken to a veterinarian.

How dangerous is this plague for humans?

The maggot is a larva of the fly Cochliomyia hominivorax that can invade the tissues of any warm-blooded animal, including humans . The parasite penetrates the skin of animals, causing serious damage and injuries that can be fatal.

In humans, infestation by screwworm larvae manifests as a painful skin lesion with redness, swelling, and pus. .

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As the larvae grow, they can cause a sensation of movement under the skin and cause severe pain. .

Infestation occurs when a fly lays its eggs in the superficial wound of a mammal. Between 12 and 24 hours later, the larvae hatch and feed on living tissue for 4 to 8 days. Once developed, they fall to the ground to transform into pupae, restarting the cycle .

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OA

• Screwworm
• Pests
• Cattle
• USA
• Public health
• Diseases