A flesh-eating screwworm is creeping dangerously close to the US border. Can anything be done to stop it?

(NEXSTAR) – A devastating parasite that burrows into the flesh of its hosts is inching dangerously close to the United States, the Texas Department of Agriculture warns. The New World screwworm has been found just 62 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border in Nuevo León.

“This is now the northernmost active case in Mexico, and that puts Texas squarely in the crosshairs,” said Sid Miller, commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture.

If it crosses into the U.S., the New World screwworm could devastate the cattle and livestock industry. The screwworm flies lay eggs in animals’ wounds, noses, ears, eyes or mouths.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the eggs can be laid on any warm-blooded animals (including humans and pets), but they primarily impact livestock animals.

Once the eggs are laid, they develop into parasitic larvae, or maggots, that feed on the surrounding flesh as they burrow deeper. If untreated, screwworm cases can be fatal.

“The New World screwworm is not........

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