What: The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will host an informational webinar on the New World screwworm to prepare stakeholders and interested parties as the invasive pest spreads.
Information presented at the webinar will include details on the basic biology of the New World screwworm, signs and symptoms of infection and the current regulatory response on the state and federal levels.
Where: Zoom
When: Tuesday, July 7 at 3 p.m. EST
Participate: Please see this participant link. The passcode is 094731. No advance registration is needed, and it is open to any interested party.
About: The New World screwworm (NWS) is a type of invasive fly whose larvae feed exclusively on the living tissues of warm-blooded animals. UF/IFAS is monitoring the spread of the pest and providing resources for livestock managers, veterinarians, wildlife officials and community leaders across Florida. While they most affect animals, they can, rarely, impact people.
As of Monday, more than 30 cases have been reported in Texas and New Mexico. While no cases are reported in Florida, UF/IFAS wants to get stakeholders prepared to be aware of the signs and symptoms of New World screwworm to help with early detection and treatment.
Screwworms are typically found on warm-blooded animals that have a draining or enlarging wound. Almost any type of wound can become infested with screwworm larvae, including those caused by feeding ticks, castration, dehorning, branding, shearing, barbed wire fences and even shedding of antler velvet in deer. The navels of newborn mammals can also become infested.
Some of the stakeholder groups that would most benefit from the short course are cattle ranchers, veterinarians, wildlife managers and public health managers.
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ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
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