Flesh-Eating Parasite Threatens U.S. Livestock: Tennessee Issues Urgent Alert After Mexico Outbreak
A flesh-eating parasite once eradicated from the United States is back on the radar—and Tennessee officials are sounding the alarm.
Tennessee State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Beaty has issued a statewide alert following the recent detection of the New World Screwworm in Mexico, prompting the U.S. Department of Agriculture to suspend all cattle, horse, and bison imports from the country.
What Is the New World Screwworm?
This parasitic pest may sound like something from a horror movie, but it’s very real—and very dangerous. The larvae of the New World Screwworm invade open wounds of warm-blooded animals, consuming living tissue and causing severe pain, infection, and in some cases, death.
The adult flies are slightly larger than a housefly, with metallic blue-green bodies, striking orange eyes, and three distinct black stripes along their backs.
“This parasite does not respect international borders,” warned Dr. Beaty. “With Tennessee’s role as a crossroads for trade, travel, and wildlife migration, we are at increased risk of exposure.”
Why Tennessee Is Watching Closely
Though the parasite was declared eradicated from the U.S. decades ago, its reemergence in Mexico raises serious concerns, especially for livestock-heavy states like Tennessee. Dr. Beaty noted that cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, wildlife, pets—and even humans—can be affected.
The warning comes as part of a proactive push to detect and stop potential outbreaks before they spread.
What Animal Owners Should Watch For:
Wounds that won’t heal or get worse over time
Foul-smelling discharge or visible maggots in wounds
Behavioral changes such as animals isolating or refusing food
Infestations often start from routine wounds—like insect bites or surgical procedures such as castration or dehorning.
Early detection is critical, Beaty emphasized: “Awareness and prevention go a long way in reducing the risk of spread to Tennessee.”
Suspect a Case? Here’s What to Do
📞 Call the State Veterinarian’s Office at 615-837-5120
📞 USDA Veterinarian in Charge at 615-517-2642
📞 After-hours emergency line at 866-536-7593
Suspicious cases will be reviewed, and samples may be submitted for laboratory confirmation.
💡 FAST FACT: The last known U.S. outbreak of New World Screwworm occurred in Florida in 2016, affecting endangered Key deer and prompting a swift USDA response. Early action prevented a national crisis.
Tennessee officials hope heightened awareness and rapid response can do the same—before this nightmare fly takes hold again.
