Use of a multiagency approach to eradicate New World screwworm flies from Big Pine Key, Florida, following an outbreak of screwworm infestation (September 2016-March 2017)

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2019 Oct 15;255(8):908-914. doi: 10.2460/javma.255.8.908.

Abstract

On September 30, 2016, the US National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed an autochthonous case of New World screwworm infestation in a Key deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium) from Big Pine Key, Fla. This case marked the first identification of a sustained and reproducing population of New World screwworm flies in the United States since 1966. Multiple federal, state, and local government agencies collaborated to initiate a response to the outbreak. Efforts were successful in eradicating the flies from Florida.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Deer*
  • Diptera*
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Florida