The USDA's emergency operations team has been mobilized following the incursion of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, into two U.S. states, with 12 confirmed cases identified in cattle, goats, sheep, and dogs. The CDC reports that human victims typically present with visible maggots in their skin, unpleasant-smelling open wounds, and bleeding lesions. In response, the USDA has authorized emergency medication for treating this parasite in dogs and cats, while officials advise residents in the impacted border regions to vigilantly observe their pets and livestock. Additionally, a new public tracking website has been established to provide Americans with real-time updates as the agricultural and public health measures continue to evolve.
