Screwworm Archives - Dark Outdoors®

Texas is preparing for the threat of New World screwworm. But just 10 years ago, this devastating flesh-eating parasite struck America’s endangered Key deer in the Florida Keys. That little-known wildlife crisis became the last U.S. screwworm outbreak—and the lessons learned there could prove critical as Texas works to keep the parasite from gaining a foothold.

Watch my new video on this topic here

In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Dr. Roel Lopez, Director of the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, who worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service during the 2016 Florida Keys outbreak.

He shares firsthand insight into what happened, how the endangered Key deer were affected, and how one of the greatest wildlife disease eradication efforts in history—using millions of sterile flies—helped stop the outbreak before it spread.

We also discuss:

• Why New World screwworm is so dangerous to livestock and wildlife • The science behind the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT)

• What happened during the Florida Keys outbreak • Why the Key deer story matters to Texas today

• The current screwworm situation along the U.S.-Mexico border

• What ranchers, hunters, veterinarians, and wildlife professionals should know

• Why early detection and rapid response are essential The story of the Key deer is more than a fascinating chapter in wildlife conservation—it’s a blueprint for how science, cooperation, and decisive action can stop one of North America’s most destructive parasites.

As Texas prepares for the possibility of screwworm returning, the past may hold the key to protecting the future. If you enjoy in-depth conversations on wildlife conservation, hunting, fisheries, and the outdoors, please like, subscribe, and share. Your support helps us continue bringing you interviews with the people on the front lines of conservation.

Chester Moore

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Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

Few parasites in modern history have caused as much concern among wildlife biologists, ranchers, and animal health experts as the New World Screwworm.

To better understand the threat, I recently spoke with legendary wildlife biologist Larry Weishuhn, known to many as “Mr. Whitetail.” Larry witnessed the original screwworm crisis firsthand and observed the damage it caused before the parasite was eliminated from the United States.

Check out the interview with Larry here.

Unlike most parasites, screwworm larvae feed on living tissue. Animals suffering from an infestation can develop severe wounds that grow larger as the larvae continue feeding. Left untreated, infestations can become life-threatening.

The United States once fought a decades-long battle against screwworm, ultimately achieving one of the greatest animal health victories in history by eradicating the parasite from the country. For many Americans, screwworm became little more than a historical footnote.

Today, however, concern is growing once again.

His perspective is particularly valuable because it combines historical experience with decades of wildlife management expertise. During our conversation, we discussed the biology of screwworm, the lessons learned from past eradication efforts, and what wildlife managers, ranchers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts should be watching as this situation develops.

One thing is clear: the New World Screwworm is not simply another wildlife issue. It is a parasite with a long history of affecting wildlife, livestock, and rural communities, and its return has captured the attention of experts across multiple fields.

As more information becomes available, continued monitoring, public awareness, and cooperation between wildlife agencies, livestock producers, and animal health officials will be critical.

For those who care about wildlife conservation, hunting, ranching, and the future of America’s natural resources, the New World Screwworm is a story worth following closely.

Wildlife professionals, livestock producers, hunters, and conservationists are closely monitoring developments involving the New World Screwworm and its movement closer to the United States. The potential impacts extend far beyond individual animals.

Whitetail deer, livestock, pets, and even endangered wildlife species could all face risks if screwworm becomes established in areas where it has previously been absent. Beyond animal health concerns, the economic and conservation implications could be substantial.