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Division of Animal Health
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New World Screwworm Resource Update
As of June 2026, there are confirmed cases of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Texas and New Mexico. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is using a variety of strategies, including releasing sterile flies, surveillance, and animal movement controls, to combat this threat. USDA has launched a new website tracking confirmed detections of NWS. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has also created an NWS webpage.
NWS larvae (pictured right) infest warm-blooded animals including dogs, livestock, wildlife, and humans. Unlike common maggots, NWS larvae burrow deep into wounds and feed on living tissue, causing painful, enlarging, foul-smelling infections that can be fatal if untreated.
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Why It Matters for Wisconsin
Although NWS has not been detected in Wisconsin, the state regularly receives animals from southern U.S. states, which are most at risk from the advancing pest. The USDA has twice suspended livestock imports from Mexico in response to this outbreak and livestock imports from Mexico remain suspended at this time. Expanding sterile fly release programs are underway to slow the advance of NWS.
Wisconsin shelters, animal markets, animal dealers, veterinarians, and animal owners must remain vigilant, especially during animal intake or post-travel inspections. Be on the lookout for larvae; adult flies do not need to be monitored as they closely resemble common house flies and blow flies.
Report suspected cases immediately: DATCP Animal Disease Reporting
Resources
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Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Division of Animal Health
https://datcp.wi.gov
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