CHEYENNE — Wyoming Game and Fish Department is providing information and resources to report suspected cases of New World Screwworm in the state.

NWS are parasitic flies that lay eggs in open wounds or mucous membranes of live, warm-blooded animals. Infested wounds quickly become infected, and can lead to death. NWS affects livestock, pets, wildlife, and less commonly, humans and birds.

“It is unlikely that there will be an establishment of NWS in Wyoming,” Game and Fish State Wildlife Veterinarian Samantha Allen said. “However, it is possible for isolated outbreaks to occur due to movement of infested animals or humans.”

NWS was eradicated from the United States in the 1960s, but prior to that, was a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality in wildlife and domestic animals. NWS was primarily seen in southern states, with an outbreak in Key deer in Florida in 2016-17.

The public can help monitor wildlife through game cameras and while scouting, hunting, recreating or observing wildlife. Suspected cases of NWS in living or harvested animals should immediately be reported to the appropriate agency for further direction. Instructions for reporting to Game and Fish can be found on the agency website.

Livestock concerns should be directed to the Wyoming Livestock Board, 307-777-7515 or lsbforms-applications@wyo.gov. Public health concerns can be directed to the [State Public Health Veterinarian].

-WGFD-