The cases, listed as confirmed October 25 on ScrewwormNM.org, involve a ram and a bull.
By Levi Gwaltney for Las Cruces Digest
Multiple Sources
Images: Courtesy
LAS CRUCES — Two cases of New World screwworm have been confirmed in Doña Ana County, including one involving a sheep on the New Mexico State University campus, prompting expanded surveillance and a new infested zone in the Las Cruces area.
The cases, listed as confirmed October 25 on ScrewwormNM.org, involve a ram and a bull. According to information reported by Source NM from state agriculture officials, the sheep was located on the NMSU campus and the bovine at an off-campus location.
Screenshot of interactive map from https://screwwormnm.org/ Doña Ana county has been added with two new cases. (Courtesy)
The new detections follow four cases reported last week in Otero and Grant counties. State and federal officials are expanding surveillance and fly-trapping on the NMSU campus and establishing a 12.4-mile infested zone in the area.
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“Early detection is critical to containing New World screwworm and protecting animal health,” State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck said in a statement quoted by Source NM. “We encourage the campus community to know the warning signs and report suspicious wounds or infestations promptly.”
Animals within designated infested zones are subject to special inspection requirements before being moved within or out of those areas. According to the New Mexico Livestock Board, these inspections must be performed by a New Mexico-accredited veterinarian. Property owners can consult the interactive map at ScrewwormNM.org to determine whether their properties are affected.
NMSU Extension Schedules Wednesday Updates
NMSU's Department of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources has announced a live broadcast on Facebook for Wednesday, October 28, at 10 a.m., covering sampling, treatment and biosecurity procedures for managing a suspected New World screwworm case.
A separate, fully virtual Doña Ana County New World Screwworm Town Hall is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, from 6 to 8 p.m.
The evening meeting will include representatives of the New Mexico Livestock Board, New Mexico Department of Agriculture and NMSU Extension. The event is being presented under the message “Alert, Not Alarmed.”
For additional information about the town hall, contact the Doña Ana County Extension Office at 575-525-6649 or donaana@nmsu.edu. Individuals requiring an auxiliary aid or service to participate are asked to contact Tom Dean in advance at tdean@nmsu.edu.
Animal Owners Urged to Monitor Wounds
New World screwworm larvae feed on living tissue and can cause serious injury or death in affected animals. Human infestations are rare but possible.
The New Mexico Environment Department has separately advised animal owners to watch for wounds that do not heal or worsen, visible maggots, foul-smelling discharge and unusual irritation around injuries.
Anyone suspecting an infestation should contact the New Mexico Livestock Board immediately and avoid moving the affected animal.
The Digest previously reported the department's animal-health advisory on recognizing and reporting screwworm infestations, which emphasizes early detection and prompt reporting.
New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte urged residents to remain attentive as the investigation expands into Doña Ana County.
“With cases now confirmed in Doña Ana County, we encourage the NMSU community and surrounding residents to stay vigilant, recognize the warning signs and report concerns quickly,” Witte said in a statement quoted by Source NM.
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