Mississippi has not reported any cases of the New World screwworm, a parasite that has recently appeared in Texas and New Mexico, according to state officials. Despite the rise in cases nationwide, the parasite currently poses no threat to Mississippi’s food supply, said Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson.
Gipson emphasized that the screwworm is primarily an animal safety issue rather than a food safety concern. Jerome Goddard, a Mississippi State University Extension professor of medical entomology, explained that the parasite belongs to the blowfly family but is unique because it infests living animals. The larvae burrow into flesh, causing severe damage or death.
The screwworm has been described as a bluish-green, horsefly-sized insect with golden-yellow cheeks. It was once widespread in the southern United States but was eradicated during the 1960s and 1970s using the sterile male technique, according to Goddard. The pest was declared eliminated from the U.S., though outbreaks have occurred in recent years, notably in 2016 in the Florida Keys.
Mississippi officials say they are prepared with response plans should the parasite be detected in the state. Dr. Jim Watson, the state veterinarian for the Mississippi Board of Animal Health, urged farmers and pet owners to regularly inspect animals for wounds, maggots, or larvae and to report any suspicions promptly.
Watson noted that dogs are the second most susceptible animals after cattle. While the prospect of an outbreak is concerning, he reassured the public that the state’s eradication efforts have historically been successful, and authorities are ready to respond again if needed.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
