Arizona Livestock Incident Response Team (ALIRT)

Improving the diagnosis and response to unexplained livestock deaths in Arizona by providing resources and expertise from the Arizona Cattlemen's Association, Arizona Department of Agriculture, USDA and University of Arizona Cooperative Extension.

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ALIRT BOLO

New World Screwworm (NWS)

New World Screwworm (NWS) flies can be devastating to livestock and other mammals because of the growth cycle of their larvae. Screwworm fly larvae, or maggots, burrow into the flesh of living animals causing serious, and even deadly, damage to the animal.

Read BOLO to learn more about NWS

The most effective prevention is prohibiting the reintroduction of New World screwworms to the United States. The Arizona Livestock Incident Response Team (ALIRT) is initiating a Pilot New World Screwworm Surveillance Project which involves distributing NWS larvae collection kits to assist in submitting suspect maggot larvae to the Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for early identification. Anyone may report suspected cases of screwworm, and we need everyone to be on the lookout. This disease is serious and can have catastrophic impacts on US agriculture, and animal and public health. Catching it early and eliminating it quickly is vital.

To request New World screwworm surveillance collection kits:

• Contact your local extension office
• Contact your large animal or equine veterinarian
• Contact the Arizona Department of Agriculture Animal Services Division