Planning and preparing for an outbreak of New World screwworm (NWS) is essential to protect public health, animal health, agriculture, the environment, our food supply, and the economy.
Our unified government approach includes:
- Coordinated Emergency Planning: Working across Federal, State, Tribal, local, and Territorial agencies to update emergency response plans and ensure responders are trained and ready.
- Preparedness Exercises: Supporting hands-on training and simulations across all levels of government to practice rapid and coordinated responses in the event of an NWS outbreak in the United States.
- Treatment Readiness: Ensuring that effective treatments are available for both animals and people, so veterinarians and healthcare providers can act quickly if needed.
Emergency Response Plans: NWS in Animals
USDA provides detailed NWS-specific response plans and strategies. These resources guide potential responders—including Federal, State, Tribal, local, and private sector partners—on the key capabilities and actions needed to effectively respond to an NWS outbreak in animals.
NWS Treatments for Animals
The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is working closely with drug sponsors, Federal and State partners, and international regulators to determine options for treating NWS effectively and safely. CVM also provides information to help veterinarians identify FDA-regulated products to prevent and treat NWS myiasis.
Preparing for an NWS Outbreak in Wildlife
To help prepare for the possibility of NWS re-emergence in the United States, the National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC)— part of the Department of the Interior—is developing two products to inform decision-making: a wildlife-focused risk assessment and an annotated bibliography on potential impacts of this disease to North American wildlife.
Protecting Public Health
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created a dedicated NWS Outbreak page to keep the public informed. It includes updates on the current situation, tips on how to stay safe, instructions for reporting suspected human cases, and a list of helpful resources—including those from partner agencies.
