The New World screwworm, a fly larva that eats living flesh and lays its eggs in open wounds of animals, has been detected in the continental United States for the first time since the 1960s. NC State experts below are available to speak with the media about the parasite and what it may mean for animal agriculture and the economy. 

Max Scott, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor of Entomology, led the development of screwworm male-only lines and the assembly of the screwworm genome. Scott can speak about the sterile insect technique and how male-only strains, including NovoFly, provide several advantages. He can also speak about how assembling the genome has provided insights into screwworm biology and is underpinning the development of new promising CRISPR-based methods for control of screwworm. Scott can be reached at max_scott@ncsu.edu.

Zach Raff, assistant professor of agricultural and resource economics, can speak to the agricultural market threats and economic consequences of the New World screwworm reemergence. Raff can answer questions regarding the operational costs for livestock producers, the threat to ranching profits and how the outbreak could impact beef prices.

“If the New World screwworm becomes established, the financial burden on ranchers will be severe. Keeping livestock alive means constant herd surveillance and repeated veterinary treatment,” Raff said. “The increase in production costs and the potential herd reductions from a significant reemergence will impact the supply chain and lead to higher beef prices for consumers.” Raff can be reached at zjraff@ncsu.edu.

Andy Moorhead is an associate professor of clinical sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine. He can talk about health effects and treatment of the New World screwworm in pets. He can be reached at armoorh2@ncsu.edu.

Barbara Qurollo is a research professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine. She can talk about what New World screwworm infections look like in small animals, as well as prevention and treatment. Qurollo can be reached at baquroll@ncsu.edu. 

Derek Foster is a professor of ruminant medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine. He can speak about the symptoms, health effects, and treatments for cattle affected by the New World screwworm. He can be reached by email at dmfoster@ncsu.edu.  

Sarah Rhea is an assistant professor of epidemiology at the College of Veterinary Medicine. She can talk about tracking disease spread and surveillance, as well as possible preventative measures and implications for human health. She can be reached at skrhea@ncsu.edu