What Is the New World Screwworm? What Georgia Residents Should Know

Name: Blasingame Pest Management
Address: Griffin, GA
Telephone: (770) 914-1036

9 hours ago
5 min read

You may have seen headlines lately about the New World screwworm making its way into the United States. It's a topic that has grabbed the attention of livestock owners, pet owners, and public health officials across the country — and understandably so. But if you're in Griffin, Georgia or anywhere in Central Georgia, you likely have questions: What exactly is this pest? Should I be worried? And what, if anything, should I do right now?

At Blasingame Pest Management, we believe informed homeowners and animal owners are the best defense against any pest threat. So let's break this down clearly, calmly, and factually.

What Is the New World Screwworm?

The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a parasitic fly native to the tropical and subtropical Americas. Unlike most fly species, which lay their eggs in decaying organic matter, the screwworm fly targets living, warm-blooded animals — including livestock, pets, wildlife, and in rare cases, people.

The female fly lays her eggs in open wounds, body openings, or mucous membranes of a living host. When the eggs hatch, the larvae — the "screwworms" — burrow into the surrounding flesh, feeding on living tissue. Left untreated, an infestation can cause serious tissue damage and, in severe cases, can be fatal to the animal.

The name "screwworm" comes from the larvae's screw-like shape and the way they bore into tissue.

How Did Screwworms Get Back Into the United States?

This is where the recent news comes in. The screwworm was actually eradicated from the United States decades ago through a remarkable program that involved releasing millions of sterile male flies to interrupt the reproductive cycle of wild populations. For years, a containment barrier was maintained as far south as Panama.

Beginning in 2023, however, that barrier began to break down. An outbreak spread northward through Central America and into Mexico, and despite significant efforts by the USDA and international partners, the pest reached U.S. soil. On June 3, 2026, the USDA confirmed the first animal case — a calf in Zavala County, Texas. Additional cases in Texas and New Mexico have since been reported in livestock and a dog.

The USDA is actively responding with surveillance, animal movement controls, and the continued release of sterile flies along the southern border.

Should Georgia Residents Be Concerned?

As of now, confirmed cases are limited to south Texas and New Mexico — areas along the U.S.-Mexico border. There are no confirmed cases in Georgia, and the risk to Central Georgia residents is currently low.

That said, it's worth understanding the pest — especially if you own livestock, horses, or pets that spend time outdoors. Here's a measured look at who should pay the closest attention:

Livestock and Horse Owners

If you own cattle, goats, sheep, horses, or other livestock, this is the group with the most reason to stay current on developments. Screwworms historically have posed the greatest economic threat to the livestock industry. The USDA is actively working to contain the outbreak in Texas, but ranchers and farmers throughout the Southeast should monitor USDA updates and ensure any wounds on their animals are properly cleaned and treated.

Pet Owners

Pets with open wounds or that spend significant time outdoors could potentially be vulnerable if the pest were to spread further. Keeping wounds clean and covered, and keeping pets on regular parasite prevention, is always good practice. Many common flea and heartworm preventatives already provide some protection against certain fly larvae.

People

Human cases are rare and typically involve individuals with open wounds who were in areas where the fly is actively present. The CDC notes that there are no reports of locally acquired human cases in the United States. The risk to the general public is low, but anyone with a suspicious wound — particularly after travel to affected regions — should seek medical attention.

What Are the Signs of a Screwworm Infestation in Animals?

If you own livestock or pets, knowing what to look for is the most practical thing you can do right now. Warning signs include:

Draining, enlarging, or foul-smelling wounds that are not healing
Visible larvae (maggots) in or around a wound
Larvae near body openings — ears, nose, eyes, genitalia, or the navel of newborns
An animal that appears distressed, restless, or is pawing at a wound
Unusual swelling around a wound site

If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. Screwworm is a reportable condition, meaning your vet is required to notify state and federal animal health officials if it is suspected. Do not attempt to treat a suspected infestation on your own.

What Is Being Done About the Screwworm Outbreak?

The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is leading the federal response. Key efforts include:

Sterile Insect Technique (SIT): The USDA produces approximately 100 million sterile flies per week and releases them in affected areas to overwhelm the wild population's ability to reproduce. Sterile flies have been marked with a special dye so they can be identified in traps.
Animal Movement Controls: Restrictions on livestock imports from Mexico have been put in place to limit further spread.
Surveillance: Traps and monitoring programs have been expanded in Texas and along the southern border.
Veterinary Guidance: The FDA has issued emergency use authorizations for certain treatments to assist veterinarians in managing suspected cases.

This is not a new fight for the United States — the country successfully eradicated the screwworm once before, and federal agencies have the tools and experience to respond.

Does This Affect the Pest Control Services Blasingame Provides?

The honest answer is: not directly. The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly that requires a living animal host — it is not a household pest in the traditional sense, and it is not something treated by residential or commercial pest control. It falls under the jurisdiction of veterinary care and animal health agencies.

However, we think it's important for our customers across Griffin, Spalding County, and Central Georgia to be informed about pest-related events in the news — especially those that could affect their animals or their families. Staying informed is always the first line of defense.

If you have questions about pests in and around your home or business — from general crawling insects to mosquitoes to termites — that's exactly where we come in.

About Blasingame Pest Management

Blasingame Pest Management was founded by Billy and Shayne Blasingame in Griffin, Georgia in 2012. Billy is an Associate Certified Entomologist with a career in pest control since 1977. Our President, Dylan Blasingame, was named Commercial Technician of the Year by Pest Control Technology Magazine in 2024. Billy's father, the late Bill Blasingame Sr., was a member of the Pest Management Professional Hall of Fame and one of the 80 most influential figures in the history of pest management in the United States — a legacy that runs through everything we do.

We're your neighbors, and we take pest education seriously.

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