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Arizona's Six Screwworm Cases Are All in Domesticated Animals, but Wildlife Advocates Fear Deer and Elk Are Next
State officials have confirmed six New World screwworm infections in Arizona â three horses, two dogs and a sheep â while Mule Deer Foundation members warn that wild herds can't be monitored or treated the way pets and livestock can.
TUCSON, Ariz. â Arizona has now confirmed six cases of New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that attacks warm-blooded animals, and all of the infections so far have been in domesticated animals: three horses, two dogs and one sheep.
The University of Arizona hosted a public discussion Tuesday about the parasite, giving residents a chance to learn how to recognize the signs of an infestation and what to do about it. The session drew particular interest from wildlife advocates, who say the state's deer and elk herds could be hit hard because sick wild animals are far harder to spot and treat than pets or livestock.
"You cannot just walk up and check and do an exam on wildlife," said Jeff Hannum, a member of the Mule Deer Foundation's Tucson chapter.
The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. It can affect pets, livestock and wildlife, and in rare cases humans. Domesticated animals can be watched by owners and veterinarians; wild animals cannot.
Matthew Weber, also with the Tucson chapter, attended Tuesday's discussion hoping to learn how the community can help protect wildlife.
"No one's really watching out for the wildlife, so we want to get people to help the wildlife and watch the wildlife and report it to the officials so that they can get the proper treatment," Weber said.
Concerns have grown as reports surfaced of infected elk in Texas, even though Arizona's confirmed cases have all involved domesticated animals. Weber said Arizona's deer populations are already under pressure from drought and other challenges, and he worries the screwworm could become another serious threat.
"The deer don't get treatment. The deer don't get monitored," Weber said. "So we're concerned that there may be significant losses to the deer herds if this is not eradicated very quickly here in Arizona."
Both Weber and Hannum said they left the University of Arizona event feeling better informed and plan to share what they learned with local hunters and others who spend time outdoors.
"We have to keep our herds strong, and we're all about taking care of their habitat and anything we can do to strengthen our herds," Hannum said.
The Food and Drug Administration has authorized an emergency treatment for New World screwworm infestations in dogs.
Residents who suspect an animal may be infected are urged to contact a veterinarian or the appropriate wildlife authorities rather than trying to handle a wild animal themselves.