Screwworm: Why is this flesh-eating parasite making a comeback?

The screwworm larva has tusk-like mandibles protruding from its mouth

Scott Camazine/Alamy

Countries across the Americas have spent billions trying to control the New World screwworm since the flesh-eating parasite devastated cattle in the US in the 1950s.

But a recent surge in infections in Central America suggests that containment efforts could be failing, imperilling the region’s food supply and tens of billions of dollars’ worth of cattle.

What is screwworm?

The New World screwworm fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is an insect endemic to South America…

Related Content

Water-Based Zinc-Iodine Batteries a Step Closer

Oldest-Old Don't Succumb to Traditional Risk Factors for Brain Health

Head Trauma May Activate Latent Viruses in the Brain

Leave a Comment