Maggots, the larvae of flies, don\u2019t have a great reputation.<\/p>\n
Most of the time, when they\u2019re discovered, it\u2019s in some sort of disgusting habitat, like a forgotten pile of rotten food or the corpse of an animal by the side of the road.<\/p>\n
That may be the sole upside of maggots in the U.S.: They only consume dead tissue. In fact, in some medical scenarios, lab-raised maggots are used to clean wounds, because they do it so efficiently and completely, leaving behind all of the living tissue.<\/p>\n
That is also why U.S. agriculture officials are so concerned about the New World Screwworm following confirmed cases recently in Texas and New Mexico.<\/p>\n
And now, Pennsylvania agriculture officials issued a quarantine order limiting animal movement into the state.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s because the larvae of the New World Screwworm fly (NWS) consumes living tissue. Flies lay their eggs in warm-blooded animals, and the maggots feed on their host, creating wounds and opening animals up to infection.<\/p>\n
\u201cNew World Screwworm is unlike the flies and maggots we commonly encounter,\u201d State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg said. \u201cThese larvae feed on living tissue, causing severe wounds that can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated. Producers, veterinarians, and pet owners should regularly inspect animals for wounds that fail to heal or show signs of maggot infestation. If producers suspect NWS, they should seek veterinary care immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n
The larvae can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, occasionally birds and \u2014 in rare cases \u2014 people.<\/p>\n
The state quarantine order took effect June 9, and it establishes movement restrictions and enhanced animal health requirements for domestic animals entering Pennsylvania from affected areas.<\/p>\n
NWS flies can lay eggs even in small wounds, including cuts and scrapes, ear tag sites and wounds as small as a tick bite, according to the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System, part of the state agriculture department.<\/p>\n
While there is a health risk to infected animals, the NWS\u2019 presence does not impact food safety, state agriculture officials said.<\/p>\n
The quarantine order specifies the following restrictions on susceptible species of domestic animals being imported into, or transported through Pennsylvania:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Any susceptible species infested or suspected to be infested shall not be imported until examined by an accredited veterinarian.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Any animal from an infested area or county shall not be imported until examined by an accredited veterinarian.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Dogs and cats originating in a state with a quarantine area shall not be imported for the purposes of sale, adoption, fostering or transfer of ownership.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Susceptible species originating from a quarantine area must have a certificate of veterinary inspection, or a document indicating freedom from infestation provided by a state or federal health official, issued within seven days prior to entry or transit through Pennsylvania. Such animals must also be treated with a product authorized for use against NWS prior to entry. The name of the product, and date\/route of administration must also be noted on the vet certificate.<\/p>\n