Hunters and Ranchers Enlisted to Combat Spread of Flesh-Eating Parasite Across the US

**Lead** In an unprecedented mobilization of the outdoor community, federal and state wildlife authorities are recruiting hunters and ranchers across the southern United States to assist in tracking and controlling the spread of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that poses a severe threat to livestock, pets, and wild game. The parasite, which had been eradicated from the US for decades, reappeared in Florida in 2016 and has since been detected in several states, prompting urgent action. With hunting seasons underway and ranches operating at full capacity, the collaboration marks a critical front in the battle against a biological invader that could devastate both animal populations and the sporting activities that depend on them.

**Context** The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is the larval stage of a fly that lays eggs in open wounds of warm-blooded animals. Once hatched, the maggots feed on living tissue, causing severe injury and often death if untreated. Historically, the parasite cost the US livestock industry billions of dollars before a massive sterile insect technique program eliminated it in the 1960s. However, in 2016, the screwworm reappeared in the Florida Keys, likely carried by animals or transported materials. Since then, isolated cases have been reported in Texas, Alabama, and Georgia, prompting the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and state wildlife agencies to establish surveillance networks involving local hunters and ranchers.

Hunters, who spend extensive time in the field, are especially valuable as sentinels. They are trained to recognize the distinctive wound characteristics—infested animals show maggots in deep, expanding lesions—and to report sightings to wildlife officials. Ranchers, meanwhile, are on the front lines of livestock health. In response, many have implemented stricter biosecurity measures, such as inspecting animals daily and treating wounds immediately. The USDA has deployed bait stations and sterile fly releases, but the vastness of rural areas makes community involvement essential.

**Analysis** The stakes for the sporting community are high. Screwworm infestations can decimate populations of white-tailed deer, feral hogs, and small game, directly affecting hunting opportunities. In states like Texas, where hunting contributes billions annually to the economy, a widespread outbreak could lead to restricted hunting seasons, quarantines, and reduced bag limits. Similarly, ranchers who rely on cattle for income also participate in rodeo and livestock shows—sporting events that require healthy animals. A single infected animal can lead to herd-wide losses and disrupt events.

Moreover, the involvement of hunters and ranchers transforms them from passive users of the land into active conservation partners. This aligns with long-standing traditions in American outdoor sports, where sportsmen have historically funded habitat restoration and species management through licenses and taxes. Now, they are being called on to protect that heritage from a microscopic threat. The effort also highlights the vulnerability of managed landscapes: climate change and increased animal movement are expanding the screwworm’s potential range northward, meaning that hunters in states like Missouri or Kentucky may soon be asked to participate.

**Fontes** The information in this article is based on reports from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Wildlife Health Center, and state wildlife agencies including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Additional context draws from historical data on screwworm eradication and current surveillance programs.