Cochliomyia hominivorax

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This page quotes a published document. Everything below in quotation marks is copied word for word from https://capcvet.org/guidelines/cochliomyia-hominivorax/, published by CAPC and retrieved on 2026-09-16. The quotations are excerpts; the document itself is linked and is the authority. Nothing has been reworded.

This page quotes the Companion Animal Parasite Council guideline for Cochliomyia hominivorax, section by section: the opening sentences of 6 sections, copied without change and linked to the guideline, which was retrieved on 2026-09-16. The guideline itself is the authority and carries the full text.

The guideline

Companion Animal Parasite Council, Cochliomyia hominivorax, at https://capcvet.org/guidelines/screwworm/. Retrieved 2026-09-16. Each heading below is the guideline’s own, and the quotation under it is how that section begins. The full section, and the species tabs where the guideline gives them, are on the linked page.

Synopsis

CAPC Recommends Maintain companion animals on a year-round ectoparasite control product. Monitor wounds and any suspect fly larvae found on wounds of companion animals should be identified to rule out NWS infestation.

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Species

Feline Canine Cochliomyia hominivorax - New World Screwworm Cochliomyia hominivorax 3rd instar larva Cochliomyia hominivorax 3rd lnstar larva - anterior end Cochliomyia hominivorax 3rd instar larva - tracheal trunks NWS adult fly

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Prevalence

Cochliomyia hominivorax was historically found throughout the southern United States, Central America, and the northern countries of South America. Eradication efforts eliminated C. hominivorax from the United States, Mexico, Central America, and several Caribbean islands.

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Diagnosis

New World screwworm (NWS) infestation is typically associated with the presence of a pre-existing wound, such as the naval of newborn animals, open cuts, open insect/tick bite wounds, etc.; however, infestation around mucous membranes or skin fold areas may also occur. Wounds may be malodorous and produce suppurative or serosanguinous discharge.

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Treatment

Do not initiate treatment before contacting appropriate state and federal agencies. Treatment of NWS infestations involves removing visible eggs and larvae from the wound.

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Control and Prevention

NWS was eradicated in the United States in the 1950’s and 60’s, with only sporadic cases since. The mainstay of preventing NWS re-entry to the United States is sanitary and medical prophylaxis.

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Sources

  • capc-screwwormCAPC · retrieved 2026-09-16
    CAPC Recommends Maintain companion animals on a year-round ectoparasite control product. Monitor wounds and any suspect fly larvae found on wounds of companion animals should (Synopsis)

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