Jul 1, 2026 · 31 min · 12 segments
The New World screwworm, a parasite affecting warm-blooded animals, afflicted U.S. agriculture and wildlife until it was eradicated from North America in the second half of the 20th century. Now, it’s…
Sarah WykoffGuest
Morgan O'HanlonHost
David YoskowitzHost
So what do you think, David? Do you think I need to start worrying about the new world screwworm?
I wouldn't say worry exactly, but like Dr. Wyckoff said, we just need to be aware and we need to be educated.
If you're a landowner and you see wildlife that is behaving differently, is confused, has open wounds on it, unfortunately you may see the maggots themselves on there feeding on the flesh, report that to us at Texas Parks and Wildlife on our website.
To report a suspected screwworm case, call a Texas Animal Health Commission veterinarian on call at this number, 1-800-550-8242.
Any suspect cases in native wildlife can be reported to TPWD 24-7 at 512-389-8505.
And we've already heard from Sarah about why TPWD is involved in this fight.
But can you tell me a little more about the potential impact of New World Screwworm on Texas wildlife?
Yeah, as Sarah said in the episode, I mean, it could be critically impactful.
We've had in the past, when screw worm has been here in Texas, significant impact on wildlife, especially newborn fawns who are really susceptible in terms of white-tailed deer, but you think of all the warm-blooded species.
And when they give birth, those little ones are really susceptible at that point.
And also, I really want to stress here, companion animals can be at risk as well.
So those dogs and cats and other critters that we hold close, we also need to be looking out for them.
Well, I think it's important to know that your Texas state government is on top of it.
So what do you think, David? Do you think I need to start worrying about the new world screwworm?
I wouldn't say worry exactly, but like Dr. Wyckoff said, we just need to be aware and we need to be educated.
If you're a landowner and you see wildlife that is behaving differently, is confused, has open wounds on it, unfortunately you may see the maggots themselves on there feeding on the flesh, report that to us at Texas Parks and Wildlife on our website.
To report a suspected screwworm case, call a Texas Animal Health Commission veterinarian on call at this number, 1-800-550-8242.
Any suspect cases in native wildlife can be reported to TPWD 24-7 at 512-389-8505.
And we've already heard from Sarah about why TPWD is involved in this fight.
But can you tell me a little more about the potential impact of New World Screwworm on Texas wildlife?
Yeah, as Sarah said in the episode, I mean, it could be critically impactful.
We've had in the past, when screw worm has been here in Texas, significant impact on wildlife, especially newborn fawns who are really susceptible in terms of white-tailed deer, but you think of all the warm-blooded species.
And when they give birth, those little ones are really susceptible at that point.
And also, I really want to stress here, companion animals can be at risk as well.
So those dogs and cats and other critters that we hold close, we also need to be looking out for them.
Well, I think it's important to know that your Texas state government is on top of it.
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