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.
Animal owners are being urged to regularly inspect their animals for unusual or worsening wounds, swelling, foul-smelling discharge, pain, or the presence of maggots. Where these clinical signs are observed, the Ministry is advising owners to promptly contact their nearest County Veterinary Officer or a private veterinarian. Early veterinary intervention allows the infestation to be treated appropriately, while samples can also be collected and submitted for laboratory identification and official reporting.
The Ministry noted that New World Screwworm is a World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)-notifiable disease, meaning continued surveillance and accurate identification are essential to protect animal health, support agricultural production, and monitor the national disease situation.
Farmers and animal owners are being encouraged to practise good wound management and to report suspected cases promptly, with the Ministry stressing that early detection, prompt treatment and reporting remain key to protecting the country’s animals.