Cases of the flesh-eating New World screwworm in Mexico are climbing fast.
Reuters reports that more than 5,000 caes have been confirmed as of mid-August. A 53% jump since July.
Government data shows that nearly 650 active cases in livestock right now.
One industry leader told Drovers the surge is troubling, especially with extreme heat making it harder to control the parasite.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says that the risein cases proves the screwworm remains a serious threat. Experts believe more producers are spotting and reporting infections.
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CWD is an infectious, degenerative disease of cervids that causes brain cells to die, ultimately leading to the death of the affected animal.