In early November Dr. Joanna Davis, of USDA Veterinary Services, conducted an informational webinar on New World Screwworm where she shared her thoughts about the importance of NWS preparedness, surveillance and response for the exotic animal industry as well as her experiences with preparing for and responding to an outbreak of this pest.
NWS causes a devastating myiasis (maggot infestation) that severely impacted the vulnerable Key Deer population of south Florida in 2016. NWS has been detected in a variety of species, and in rare instances, can cause zoonotic disease.
For additional information and resources visit the NWS page on the USDA-APHIS website.