How does screwworm affect
my animal?
The screwworm eggs laid in the
wound hatch into larval screwworm,
which feed on the living tissue of the
animal. Screwworm infestations are
diffi cult to detect at fi rst. Slight movement
might be seen inside a wound,
but the larvae feed and the wound
gradually enlarges and deepens.
A blood tinged fl uid with a distinct
odor may seep from the wound. As
many as 200 vertically oriented larvae
may be packed deep inside the
wound.
Infested animals usually separate
from the herd and lie down in shady
areas. Discomfort, decreased appetite
and lowered milk production are
common. Untreated animals may die
in 7 to 14 days from toxicity or secondary
infections.