Skip to main content
UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences logo
Give      University of Florida
Resources
    Toggle Search Form
    GIVE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
    • HOME
    • For Farmers, Ranchers and Industry
    • For Extension Agents and Partners
    • Press Resources
    • General Public

    New World Screwworm

    New World Screwworm

    an image of an adult New World Screwworm fly

    New World Screwworm

    The New World screwworm (NWS) is a type of fly whose larvae (maggots) feed exclusively on the living tissues of warm-blooded animals. UF/IFAS is monitoring the spread of NWS and providing resources for livestock managers, veterinarians, wildlife officials and community leaders across Florida. Use this page for access to materials and the latest science-based resources to help Floridians prepare and respond to this threat.

    Any suspected cases of New World screwworm in Florida should be immediately reported to FDACS.

     

    • FOR FARMERS, RANCHERS AND INDUSTRY
    • FOR FARMERS, RANCHERS AND INDUSTRY
    • FOR EXTENSION AGENTS AND PARTNERS
    • FOR EXTENSION AGENTS AND PARTNERS
    • GENERAL PUBLIC
    • GENERAL PUBLIC
    • PRESS RESOURCES
    • PRESS RESOURCES

    New World Screwworm Quick Links

    • USDA main screwworm website (Screwworm.gov): The federal government’s primary home page for information related to the New World screwworm.
    • USDA NWS Fact sheet
    • FDACS NWS website: Provides current regulatory information and reporting information for Florida.
    • FWC NWS website: https://myfwc.com/research/wildlife/health/nws/
    • UF/IFAS: Ask IFAS peer-reviewed publication on the New World screwworm describing the pest, its life cycle, impact on society as a pest and management and eradication.
    • UF/IFAS NWS Q&A
    • Cow Talks podcast: Cow Talks, a podcast produced by Marcelo Wallau, UF/IFAS forage Extension specialist, and Chris Prevatt, beef cattle and forage commodity director for the Alabama Farmers Federation have done several episodes that highlight the New World screwworm: one initial overview episode and one episode with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS). 
    Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World screw-worm fly, or screw-worm for short, is a species of parasitic fly that is well known for the way in which its larvae (maggots) eat the living tissue. Photo: Adobe Stock, By Dinar Budiman

    As New World screwworm spreads, UF/IFAS offers informational resources, press experts

    Highlights: UF/IFAS experts are monitoring the spread of the New World...

    Related Stories

    Cattle. Photo: UF/IFAS

    ​As USDA halts animal imports, UF experts explain New World screwworm risk​

    The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is urging...

    Related Stories

    University of Florida Logo
    Contact

    Feedback
    New World screwworm UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department
    1881 Natural Area Drive, Steinmetz Hall Gainesville, FL 32611
    352-273-3911

    Land Grant Mission
    • Teaching
    • Research
    • Extension
    Information
    • Ask IFAS (EDIS)
    • UF/IFAS Experts
    • UF/IFAS Blogs
    • UF/IFAS Bookstore
    Policy
    • Accessible UF
    • EEO Statement
    • IFAS Web Policy
    • SSN & UF Privacy
    • Analytics (Google Privacy)

    © 2025 University of Florida, IFAS Last Modified:Sun, 21 Jun 2026 11:24:38 EDT