The CDC has activated a Level 3 emergency response to coordinate federal efforts in containing a screwworm outbreak that threatens livestock and wildlife across affected regions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention works alongside the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state authorities to prevent further spread of the New World screwworm parasite. The activation represents a coordinated federal response to an agricultural threat that officials say poses low risk to the public.
What the Parasite Does
New World screwworm develops when screwworm flies lay eggs in open wounds or body openings of livestock, pets, and wildlife. The resulting larvae feed on living tissue and can cause severe damage if left untreated.
The parasite does not spread directly between animals, from animals to humans, or between people, according to the CDC. Infections occur only through exposure to screwworm flies in affected areas.
While human infections are possible, no cases have been reported in the United States, and federal officials assess the risk to the public as low.
Federal Coordination Efforts
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the CDC activation
