East Texas Ranchers Are Watching Out for a Flesh-Eating Worm
We got rid of the screwworm a few decades ago, but it could be coming back. Here are the icky details on this thing.
The screwworm that gets its ugly start when a fly lays an egg that penetrates the flesh of livestock, and the worm grows and starts eating flesh. It can be devastating to entire herds, and East Texas farmers and ranchers are being warned now to watch for it.
The screwworm was eradicated in the 1960s, but it's been found again in the Florida Keys in a stray dog and some deer. The Texas Agrilife Extension Office says the screwworm can wipe out entire herds if it's not monitored.
Leaders at the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Office have a meeting tonight to talk about it, and if there are any action steps to take, they'll pass those along to East Texas ranchers. It's a free seminar tonight if you want to attend and find out more.
Ick. These things can eat human flesh too, but they go for animals first. Swat flies if you see 'em, and we'll keep you updated.