New World Screwworm: What Animal Owners Should Know

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is reminding livestock owners, farmers and the general public to remain vigilant for New World Screwworm (NWS), a parasitic infestation caused by the larvae (maggots) of the fly Cochliomyia hominivorax.

New World Screwworm is endemic to parts of South America and the Caribbean and, given Trinidad and Tobago’s geographical proximity to these regions, the infestation has been present in the country for generations. Cases are occasionally identified by Veterinary Services.

The screwworm fly lays its eggs in wounds or damaged tissue of warm-blooded animals. The larvae then feed on living tissue, causing wounds that can become progressively larger and infected. Cattle, horses, pigs, dogs, wildlife and humans can be affected.

Animal owners should regularly inspect their animals and look out for unusual or worsening wounds, swelling, foul-smelling discharge, pain or the presence of maggots.

If these clinical signs are observed, animal owners are urged to contact the nearest County Veterinary Officer at the numbers stated below or a private veterinarian promptly. Early veterinary intervention allows the infestation to be treated appropriately, while samples can be collected and submitted for laboratory identification and official reporting.

New World Screwworm is a WOAH-notifiable disease/infestation. Continued surveillance and accurate identification are therefore essential to protect animal health, support agricultural production and monitor the national disease situation.

The Ministry encourages all farmers and animal owners to practice good wound management and to report suspected cases promptly.

Early detection, prompt treatment and reporting are key to protecting our animals.

For further information, please contact the Ministry’s County Offices.

St. George East – 220-6252 Ext. 5078
St. George West – 662-5986
Caroni – 671-1861
St. Patrick – 647-8871
Victoria/Nariva/Mayaro – 655-8410/655-3428
St. Andrews – 668-2712

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