新世界螺旋蝇蛆重现德州

曾於六十年前被美国成功消灭的新世界螺旋蝇蛆（New World Screwworm），近日再次在德州发现病例，引起农业界高度警戒。

这种寄生蝇会将虫卵產在动物伤口上，幼虫孵化后钻入活体组织，以活肉為食，严重时可导致牲畜死亡。牛、马、羊、鹿、宠物甚至人类都可能受到感染。

德州政府已啟动紧急防疫措施，包括疫情监测、区域管制及投放不育雄蝇控制虫害扩散。

德州是全美最大的牛隻生產州，一旦疫情蔓延，不仅影响农牧业生產，也可能造成数十亿美元经济损失。

专家提醒，若发现动物伤口久未癒合、出现异味或蛆虫，应立即寻求兽医协助，以防感染扩大。

New World Screwworm Reappears in Texas

The New World Screwworm (NWS), a destructive parasite eradicated from the United States more than 60 years ago, has recently been detected again in Texas, raising serious concerns among livestock producers and animal health officials.

Unlike ordinary flies, the female screwworm lays eggs in open wounds of living animals. After hatching, the larvae burrow into healthy tissue and feed on living flesh, causing severe infections that can lead to death if left untreated. Cattle, horses, sheep, wildlife, pets, and even humans can be affected.

Texas authorities have launched emergency response measures, including increased surveillance, movement controls, and the release of sterile flies to prevent the parasite from spreading.

As the nation’s leading cattle-producing state, Texas faces significant economic risks if the outbreak expands. Agricultural experts warn that widespread infestations could result in major losses for the livestock industry.

Animal owners are urged to monitor wounds carefully and seek veterinary assistance immediately if signs of infection or larvae are observed.