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Annotated Bibliography of Scientific Research on New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) Myiasis in Wildlife

Open-File Report 2026-1006
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20261006

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Abstract

The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax; NWS) is a parasitic blowfly that lays its eggs in open wounds of live, warm- blooded animals including livestock, wildlife, and potentially humans. The larvae consume living animal tissue, and if untreated, the infestation can lead to death. Although NWS was eradicated in the United States in 1966, it has been moving northward from its endemic range in South America during the past decade and could seriously threaten the health of U.S. wildlife populations, making detection, treatment, and surveillance of the disease far more difficult across this multi- sector disease system.
As the likelihood of NWS reintroduction to the United States increases, veterinarians, wildlife managers, and conservation specialists need to be informed and prepared to respond. The existing knowledge about NWS interactions with wildlife hosts is lacking, especially regarding North American species where the NWS has been eradicated for more than 50 years. To address this knowledge gap, we compiled an annotated bibliography that consolidates key information from the existing literature on NWS infestation in wild animals.

Suggested Citation

Timbie, S., Weidenkopf, S., and Grear, D.A., 2026, Annotated bibliography of scientific research on New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) myiasis in wildlife: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2026–1006, 19 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20261006.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Purpose and Scope
  • Methods
  • Results and Discussion
  • Article Summaries
  • References Cited
  • Glossary
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Annotated bibliography of scientific research on new world screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) myiasis in wildlife
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2026-1006
DOI 10.3133/ofr20261006
Publication Date April 20, 2026
Year Published 2026
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) National Wildlife Health Center
Description iii; 19 p.
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Additional publication details