The New World Screwworm has been detected in a second cow in Texas -- prompting more concerns about animal to human transmission.
The screwworm is a flesh eating parasitic fly with the power to decimate livestock. While veterinarian Dr. Ann Hohenhaus says the risk to public health is very low, you should be aware of its signs if you are around animals who have wounds that do not heal, wounds that smell really bad or have maggots in them.
"And if you've seen any of those things: a wound that doesn't heal, little white worms, in an injury or wound, or one wound that is not healing then you should seek veterinary care for your pet. If you see the same thing in yourself then you should call a physician."
ER doctor Stephanie Widmer says it should not be a big concern to humans. "This is something that sounds vey scary but the threat to humans, especially people in the United States, is very very low at this time. People who are at a higher risk are individuals who hang around livestock."
The parasitic flies were eradicated from the U.S. back in the sixties. A human case was confirmed last year in the United States in an international traveler - but that person recovered.
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Another case of what's called the New World screwworm has now been detected in a second cow in Texas
Another case of what's called the New World screwworm has now been detected in a second cow in Texas
