New Mexico health officials confirm 2 additional New World screwworm cases

(KVIA) -- Thursday, New Mexico animal health officials confirmed two additional New World screwworm cases in Grant County, which is about an hour and a half drive north of Deming.

NWS is a parasite whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals.

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture said the cases were detected in a horse and calf.

State and federal officials are expanding surveillance and fly-trapping around the affected locations. They established a minimum 12.4-mile radius infested zone around each animal's location.

Within these zones, animals must be inspected and, if necessary, treated before moving within or out of the area.

“Early detection and prompt reporting are critical to limiting the spread of this pest. We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and work closely with animal health officials," said New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte.

Animal owners should closely monitor animals for wounds that fail to heal, worsening injuries, maggots in wounds, foul-smelling discharge or unusual irritation around an injury. Anyone who suspects NWS should immediately contact the New Mexico Livestock Board and avoid moving the affected animal.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there are five active cases of NWS in Texas and New Mexico. Three are in Pecos, Brewster and Crockett County, Texas.