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Preventing and Recognizing New World Screwworm

Willy Lanier

Utah State Public Health Veterinarian

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New World Screwworm

  • Cochliomyia hominivorax (fly)
  • Feeds on living tissue
  • Any warm-blooded animal
  • Eradicated in US in 1960s via sterile insect technique
  • Incredibly damaging to agricultural economy
  • Recent outbreak in Central America and Mexico
  • Need One Health, collaborative approach

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Eradication history

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Lifecycle

~1 week

~1 week

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How NWS could reach the US

  • Production animals move
  • Wildlife migrate
  • Pets travel
  • People travel
  • Flies migrate

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Recent efforts

  • COPEG (international prevention coalition)
  • US coordination – USDA playbook
  • Utah coordination
    • UDAF leads
    • DWR and DHHS/LHDs support

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Sterile fly technique

  • Sterile male flies
  • Females mate once
  • Dyed green (UV light)
  • US ramping up production

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One Health surveillance

  • Goal: prevent local transmission
  • 1 week + 1 week
  • Coordination essential
  • Report immediately
  • Enhanced surveillance (flies)

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Risk factors

  • Travel to area with NWS
  • Sleeping outdoors
  • Working outdoors
  • Working with infested animals
  • Lack of access to healthcare

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Prevention

  • Avoid NWS flies
  • Prevent breaks in skin
  • Clean and cover wounds
  • Sleep indoors or covered
  • Use EPA-registered repellant
  • Wear long clothing
  • Seek medical attention

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Symptoms and history

  • Wound or mucous membrane
  • Pain
  • Smell
  • Larvae/movement
  • History of travel to endemic area or other risk factors

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What to do if you suspect NWS

  • Email CDC and DHHS immediately with details
    • dpdx@cdc.gov
    • OneHealth@utah.gov
  • Take pictures of larvae for identification
  • Collect all larvae in alcohol
    • For possible submission
    • Do not dispose of as normal garbage

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Spread the word

  • Healthcare providers
  • Homeless service providers
  • Immigration service agencies
  • Needle exchange program personnel

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Thank you

Willy Lanier

wlanier@utah.gov

OneHealth@utah.gov

801-503-2214