New World Screwworm Outbreak

SOURCE www.npr.org
The New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, has spread into Mexico, alarming U.S. officials who have halted imports of live cattle, horses, and bison across the Southern border. Efforts to eradicate the pest go back decades, with a successful strategy in the 1960s and '70s. The U.S. and Mexico are working together to prevent the spread of this parasite.

Key Points

  • New World screwworm larvae can be fatal to animals if left untreated
  • Efforts to eradicate the pest have been ongoing for decades
  • Cases of the pest resurging in Central America and Mexico have raised concerns
  • The U.S. and Mexico are implementing measures to prevent the spread of the parasite

Pros

  • Protection of animals and safety of the nation's food supply is prioritized
  • Successful eradication strategy in the past

Cons

  • The potential economic impact of an outbreak is significant