The New World screwworm is making a deadly comeback

The parasite is spreading quickly

New World screwworm on leaf
The New World screwworm is on the move through Mexico and could arrive in the US
(Image credit: Dinar Bud / Getty Images)

A flesh-eating parasite is spreading throughout Mexico and rapidly moving northward. This has led to the USDA's suspension of cattle, horse and bison imports from Mexico to the U.S. And without intervention, the New World screwworm (NWS) will propagate further, affecting livestock, wildlife and potentially even humans.

How bad is New World screwworm?

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Devika Rao, The Week US

 Devika Rao has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022, covering science, the environment, climate and business. She previously worked as a policy associate for a nonprofit organization advocating for environmental action from a business perspective.