06/15/2026
🦟 Livestock Health Watch: New World Screwworm Awareness in Oklahoma
New World Screwworm isn’t in Oklahoma right now, but recent detections in the broader region have animal‑health officials reminding producers to stay alert, especially as we head into a season when cattle are more prone to wounds, pinkeye, and fly irritation. This pest is aggressive and capable of causing severe tissue damage if it ever re‑enters the state, so early awareness is our best defense.
Why this matters for Oklahoma producers:
• High‑risk entry routes: Livestock movement, wildlife travel, and warm‑season transport increase the chance of accidental introduction.
• Targets any wound: Branding sites, pinkeye lesions, castration cuts, navel wounds, and even tick bites can attract adult flies.
• Rapid damage: Unlike common maggots, screwworm larvae feed on living tissue, making early detection critical.
• Reportable pest: Any suspected case must be reported immediately to a veterinarian or ODAFF.
[email protected]
What to watch for:
• Wounds that stay “wet,” smell foul, or don’t heal normally
• Clusters of larvae in or around a wound
• Animals showing irritation, head shaking, or isolating from the herd
• Rapid tissue loss around even small injuries
What producers can do now:
• Keep a close eye on fresh wounds, pinkeye cases, and calves with navel irritation
• Maintain strong fly control to reduce wound‑seeking pressure
• Treat and monitor wounds promptly
• Contact your vet immediately if something looks off
For producers wanting to tighten up fly and wound protection:
We keep Fly Devil cattle foggers, Co‑Ral, Prolate, and Permethrin in stock to help reduce fly pressure and protect healing wounds during peak season. If you’re reviewing your summer fly plan, we can help you match the right product to your setup.
https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/livestock-entomology/new-world-screwworm-info
