Texas Officials Warn of ‘Man-Eating’ Bug Found in Livestock Near Southern Mexico Border

Wildlife officials in Texas are keeping a close eye out for New World Screwworm fly larvae, also referred to as the “Man-eater,” a parasite that consumes flesh, after cases were confirmed in nearby Mexico.

Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in the southern part of the state are being urged by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to be on the lookout for this sneaky pest. The New World Screwworm fly is a serious hazard because its larvae have the terrifying capacity to enter open wounds and body cavities and feed on living tissue.

This concerning event comes after a cow infected with Screwworm fly larvae was recently found at a border inspection station in the Mexican state of Chiapas, which is close to the Guatemalan border. According to Texas officials, this incident highlights the worrying trend’s northward expansion.

The TPWD’s Wildlife Veterinarian, Dr. J Hunter, stressed the importance of the general public in protecting livestock, wildlife, and human health. In the official statement, Dr. Hunter said, “Those who enjoy Texas’ natural resources have the opportunity to serve as the first line of defense to protect wildlife, livestock and human health. Their eyes and ears will be critical to quickly responding to and managing this threat.”

Cochliomyia hominivorax, which means “man-eater” in Latin, is the scientific name for the screwworm fly, which is a predatory insect. The female fly lays her eggs in natural body openings like the nostrils or open wounds. The maggots devour the unfortunate host’s flesh as soon as they hatch.

The Man-eater Screwworm fly mainly infects livestock, but it can also infect humans, deer, and birds.

In 1966, the United States was able to eradicate this destructive pest through coordinated efforts. In Central America, eradication efforts are still in progress, though. Currently, the Screwworm fly is found in many South American countries, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.

The TPWD release outlines the key clinical signs of a Screwworm fly infestation:

• Irritability or lethargy
• Head shaking
• Presence of a foul, decaying odor
• Social isolation
• Most significantly, the presence of maggots within wounds