{"id":2009,"date":"2026-06-23T16:08:15","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T16:08:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usmovingexpertss.com\/?p=2009"},"modified":"2026-06-23T16:08:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T16:08:15","slug":"sc-tightens-rules-to-keep-screwworms-from-harming-cattle-and-wildlife-heres-what-that-means","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usmovingexpertss.com\/?p=2009","title":{"rendered":"SC tightens rules to keep screwworms from harming cattle and wildlife. Here\u2019s what that means"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/p>\n

They are flies that lay eggs in open wounds and body openings such as the eyes, ears, nose, mouth.<\/p>\n

Read more A new spot for vegan cinnamon rolls will open in the Midlands. Here\u2019s when<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

They are New World Screwworms, a parasitic maggot that is on the move in the southwestern United States.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

They are not in South Carolina, but the threat is serious enough the state has announced it will immediately enforce health requirements for warm-blooded animals entering South Carolina from states with reported cases.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

That requires shippers to produce proof of veterinary inspection and to get permits in advance.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cPreparedness is our best defense,\u201d said Mike Neault, South Carolina State Veterinarian and director of Clemson Livestock-Poultry Health. \u201cWhile South Carolina has no confirmed cases, we are taking proactive steps to ensure producers, veterinarians and animal health professionals have the information, resources and tools they need should New World Screwworm be detected here.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Screwworms were found in South Carolina in 1934 and eliminated in 1959.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cOfficials say the same science-based principles that led to eradication decades ago \u2014 including surveillance, rapid reporting, animal movement controls, treatment options and the Sterile Insect Technique \u2014 would be used again if necessary,\u201dClemson Livestock-Poultry Health said in a news release.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The critters are native to South America, parts of southern Central America, and some Caribbean islands, the Centers for Disease Control said.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Where are they now?<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says screwworms have been found in Texas and New Mexico.<\/p>\n

Read more After pedestrian death, can Gervais bridge handle coming riverfront foot traffic?<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are highly destructive and tear into the host\u2019s tissue with sharp mouth hooks, causing wounds and sores to expand in size and depth,\u201d the CDC said. \u201cAs the larvae develop and feed, affected areas become painful, swollen, and may bleed or produce a foul odor; larvae are typically visible in the wound oriented head-down.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

New World Screwworms are unlike common maggots that feed on dead tissue. They attack the tissue of cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, companion animals and wildlife.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThey cause severe injury, secondary infections and, if left untreated, death,\u201d Clemson said.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Treatments available<\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

There are a number of treatments available that are applied to livestock and others for use in barns, stables and kennels.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cNo single product should be viewed as a standalone solution and that successful control relies on a comprehensive integrated pest management approach,\u201d Clemson said.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cEffective response depends on early detection, rapid reporting, biosecurity, veterinary care, surveillance and coordinated action among state, federal and industry partners,\u201d said Michael Weyman, assistant director of Clemson Department of Pesticide Regulation.<\/p>\n

Read more Child found bullets at Finlay Park prior to teen fights, festival cancellation<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n