Life
A resurgence of the screwworm parasite in Central America could have a devastating impact on livestock farming, and poses a threat to humans and wildlife too
By Luke Taylor
6 December 2024
The screwworm larva has tusk-like mandibles protruding from its mouth
Scott Camazine/Alamy
Countries across the Americas have spent billions trying to control the New World screwworm since the flesh-eating parasite devastated cattle in the US in the 1950s.
But a recent surge in infections in Central America suggests that containment efforts could be failing, imperilling the region’s food supply and tens of billions of dollars’ worth of cattle.
What is screwworm?
The New World screwworm fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is an insect endemic to South America…
