Ministry Of Agriculture Urges Vigilance As New World Screwworm Remains Present In Trinidad and Tobago

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is reminding livestock owners, farmers and members of the public to stay alert for New World Screwworm (NWS), a parasitic infestation caused by the larvae of the fly Cochliomyia hominivorax.

In a media release issued Wednesday, the Ministry said NWS is endemic to parts of South America and the Caribbean and, given Trinidad and Tobago’s geographical proximity to these regions, the infestation has been present in the country for generations, with cases occasionally identified by Veterinary Services.

According to the Ministry, the screwworm fly lays its eggs in wounds or damaged tissue on warm-blooded animals. The larvae then feed on living tissue, causing wounds that can progressively worsen and become infected. Cattle, horses, pigs, dogs, wildlife and humans can all be affected.