New World screwworm confirmed in Hidalgo County calf as New Mexico expands surveillance
New Mexico confirmed New World screwworm in a Hidalgo County calf, establishing a 12.4-mile infested zone and expanding surveillance.
State officials established an infested zone around the case near Hachita, requiring livestock inspections and treatment when necessary before animals are moved
Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News
HACHITA - New Mexico animal health officials have confirmed New World screwworm in a calf in Hidalgo County, establishing a new infested zone as state and federal agencies expand surveillance for the parasitic fly.
The New Mexico Department of Agriculture announced the case in a release published Friday, Oct. 23. Officials said they are expanding surveillance and fly-trapping around affected locations to identify additional cases and determine whether the parasite has spread beyond the animals already confirmed to be infested.
The Hidalgo County confirmation follows another case announced Wednesday in Otero County, adding to concerns about the parasite's presence in southern New Mexico.
Organ Mountain News
New restrictions on animal movement
Officials established a minimum 12.4-mile-radius infested zone around the location of the affected calf.
Within the zone, animals must be inspected and, when necessary, treated before being moved either within the area or outside its boundaries.
The restrictions are intended to help prevent the parasite from spreading through the movement of infested animals while officials investigate the extent of its presence.
“Every confirmed case helps us better understand where New World screwworm may be present and where additional surveillance is needed,” said Dr. Samantha Holeck, state veterinarian with the New Mexico Livestock Board.
Holeck said livestock producers play an essential role in identifying infestations early by checking animals regularly and reporting suspicious wounds.
What animal owners should watch for
New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Infestations can cause severe wounds and, without treatment, can be fatal.
Animal owners should monitor livestock and other animals for wounds that fail to heal, worsening injuries, visible maggots, foul-smelling discharge or unusual irritation around an injury.
Officials urge anyone who suspects an infestation to contact the New Mexico Livestock Board immediately and avoid moving the affected animal.
New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte warned that cooler weather should not lead producers to relax their monitoring efforts.
“As we head into cooler months, we cannot let our guard down,” Witte said. “Staying alert now and maintaining strong surveillance through the winter will help us protect animal health and prepare for the months ahead.”
Surveillance continues across southern New Mexico
The Hidalgo County detection is among a series of New World screwworm confirmations announced in New Mexico this year, including cases in Lea, Grant and Otero counties.
Officials have not established in the latest announcement how the parasite reached the affected calf or whether additional animals in the surrounding area are infested.
The state is maintaining a centralized information website at ScrewwormNM.org, with maps of affected areas, surveillance updates, animal movement guidance and reporting resources.
Suspected cases involving livestock, pets or wildlife can be reported to the New Mexico Livestock Board at 505-841-6161. After-hours reports can be made through the AgroGuard hotline at 800-525-2782.
State officials said additional cases will be publicly announced when confirmed in areas not previously identified as infested.
Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News. If you have a personal story to share or a lead we should follow up on, reach out at OrganMountainNews@gmail.com or connect with him on X at @damienwillis.
