Animal owners who suspect New World screwworm should contact the New Mexico Livestock Board immediately and avoid moving the affected animal, according to the advisory.
Source: New Mexico Environment Department (via Facebook)
Photo: Courtesy
The New Mexico Environment Department is urging animal owners to monitor their animals for signs of New World screwworm following confirmation of an infestation in a beef cow in Otero County.
The department’s animal health advisory emphasizes early recognition of symptoms and prompt reporting to prevent additional infestations.
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Warning signs include wounds that fail to heal or become worse, visible maggots in wounds, foul-smelling discharge and unusual irritation around injured areas.
Animal owners who suspect New World screwworm should contact the New Mexico Livestock Board immediately and avoid moving the affected animal, according to the advisory.
State animal health officials are conducting surveillance around affected locations, including an established infested zone in Otero County where animal inspections and movement restrictions apply.
Although cooler weather can reduce screwworm fly activity, officials caution that the threat remains during periods of warmer temperatures.
Animal owners can find additional information, reporting resources and updates at ScrewwormNM.org.
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