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  • US - Outbreaks of New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) in Florida - Event resolved, considered closed

    New world screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax),
    United States of America
    Information received on 03/10/2016 from Dr John Clifford, Official Delegate, Chief Trade Advisor, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, United States of America
    Summary
    Report type Immediate notification
    Date of start of the event 13/07/2016
    Date of confirmation of the event 30/09/2016
    Report date 03/10/2016
    Date submitted to OIE 03/10/2016
    Reason for notification Reoccurrence of a listed disease
    Date of previous occurrence 1982
    Manifestation of disease Clinical disease
    Causal agent New world screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax)
    Nature of diagnosis Laboratory (advanced)
    This event pertains to a defined zone within the country
    New outbreaks (1)
    Outbreak 1 Big Pine Key, Big Pine Key, FLORIDA
    Date of start of the outbreak 13/07/2016
    Outbreak status Continuing (or date resolved not provided)
    Epidemiological unit Not applicable
    Affected animals
    Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered
    Key deer:Odocoileus virginianus clavium(Cervidae) 1 0
    Affected population Key deer from a wildlife refuge in Big Pine Key, Florida. All of the potentially affected animals are from the same Key, Big Pine Key.
    Summary of outbreaks Total outbreaks: 1
    Total animals affected
    Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered
    Key deer:Odocoileus virginianus clavium(Cervidae) 1 0
    Outbreak statistics
    Species Apparent morbidity rate Apparent mortality rate Apparent case fatality rate Proportion susceptible animals lost*
    Key deer:Odocoileus virginianus clavium(Cervidae) ** ** ** **
    *Removed from the susceptible population through death, destruction and/or slaughter
    **Not calculated because of missing information
    Epidemiology
    Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection
    • Unknown or inconclusive
    Epidemiological comments Animal health and wildlife officials from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the State of Florida are investigating and responding to a confirmed detection of New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) in a wild deer from a wildlife refuge in one of Florida?s keys known as Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key, is part of the Florida Keys which are a coral cay archipelago (group of islands) located off the southern coast of Florida. This is the first local detection of New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) in the United States in more than 30 years. Response activities include fly trapping, sterile fly release to prevent reproduction, and enhanced surveillance to look for additional cases. The goal is to limit the infestation from spreading to any new area and eradicate the New World screwworm flies from the affected Key. There have been no human or livestock cases. Big Pine Key, Florida is located a large distance away from any livestock areas.
    Control measures
    Measures applied
    • Movement control inside the country
    • Screening
    • Quarantine
    • Surveillance outside containment and/or protection zone
    • Surveillance within containment and/or protection zone
    • Zoning
    • Control of vectors
    • Vaccination permitted (if a vaccine exists)
    • Treatment of affected animals (Wound treatment and killing of larvae)
    Measures to be applied
    • No other measures
    Diagnostic test results
    Laboratory name and type Species Test Test date Result
    National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) (National laboratory) Key deer microscopic examination of larvae 30/09/2016 Positive
    Future Reporting
    The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.
    ...
    "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
    -Nelson Mandela

  • #2
    USDA Confirms New World Screwworm Cases in Big Pine Key

    Oct 3, 2016

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of New World screwworm in Key deer from a wildlife refuge in Big Pine Key, Florida. USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, confirms this is a local infestation of New World screwworm. This is the first local infestation in the United States in more than 30 years. In response to this infestation, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today declared an agricultural state of emergency in Monroe County [ 893.36 KB ], Florida. More information on the screwworm is available at FreshFromFlorida.com.

    The screwworm is a potentially devastating animal disease that sends shivers down every rancher's spine. It's been more than five decades since the screwworm last infested Florida, and I've grown up hearing the horror stories from the last occurrence,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “This foreign animal disease poses a grave threat to wildlife, livestock and domestic pets in Florida. Though rare, it can even infect humans. We've eradicated this from Florida before, and we'll do it again. We will work with our partners on the federal, state and local level to protect our residents, animals and wildlife by eliminating the screwworm from Florida. The public's assistance is crucial to the success of this eradication program.”


    In addition to the samples from three Key deer that were confirmed positive for screwworm, there are other Key deer from the same refuge and a few pets in the local area that exhibited signs of screwworm over the past two months, though no larvae were collected and tested in those cases. All of the potentially affected animals are from the same area of Big Pine Key and No Name Key. There have been no human or livestock cases.

    Animal health and wildlife officials at the state and federal levels are working jointly to address these findings. Response efforts will include fly trapping to determine the extent of the infestation, release of sterile flies to eliminate the screwworm fly population, and disease surveillance to look for additional cases in animals. The initial goal will be to keep the infestation from spreading to new areas while eradicating the New World screwworm flies from the affected Keys.
    The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has established an Animal Health Check Zone from mile marker 91 south. Animals traveling north will be given health checks at an interdiction station located at mile marker 106 to ensure that they do not have screwworm. This checkpoint will ensure that the screwworm does not travel north and infest other areas of Florida.

    In addition to the check zone, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and other partners are implementing aggressive control and surveillance measures to eradicate the screwworm.

    Residents who have warm-blooded animals (pets, livestock, etc.) should watch their animals carefully and report any potential cases to 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352) or non-Florida residents should call (850) 410-3800. Visitors to the area should ensure any pets that are with them are also checked, in order to prevent the spread of this infestation.

    While human cases of New World screwworm are rare, they have occurred, and public health officials are involved in the response. For more information about this disease in humans, please contact your local public health department.

    New World screwworms are fly larvae (maggots) that can infest livestock and other warm-blooded animals, including people. They most often enter an animal through an open wound and feed on the animal's living flesh. While they can fly much farther under ideal conditions, adult flies generally do not travel more than a couple of miles if there are suitable host animals in the area. New World screwworm is more likely to spread long distances when infested animals move to new areas and carry the pest there.

    In the 1950s, USDA developed a new method to help eradicate screwworm using a form of biological control, called the sterile insect technique, which releases infertile male flies in infested areas. When they mate with local females, no offspring result. With fewer fertile mates available in each succeeding generation, the fly, in essence, breeds itself out of existence. USDA used this technique to eradicate screwworm from the U.S. and worked with other countries in Central America and the Caribbean to eradicate it there as well. Today, USDA and its partners maintain a permanent sterile fly barrier at the Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia to prevent the establishment of any screwworm flies that enter from South America.

    Resources

    View the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services notice that officially establishes the Animal Health Check Zone [ 2.52 MB ].
    Screwworm Factsheet (USDA APHIS) [ ]
    ###

    Related contenthttp://www.freshfromflorida.com/News...n-Big-Pine-Key
    "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
    -Nelson Mandela

    Comment


    • #3
      Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-37864550


      Sterile flies released in Florida to combat flesh-eating worm
      By Paul Rincon Science editor, BBC News website

      1 hour ago

      Authorities in Florida have been releasing sterile flies in a bid to stamp out a flesh-eating livestock disease that has returned to the US for the first time in 30 years.

      The surprise outbreak of screwworm has killed off more than 100 Key deer in the Florida Keys, and there are fears it could spread to livestock.

      Scientists release the sterile flies so that they mate with the females but produce no offspring ? killing off populations.

      Screwworm was eradicated from the US in the late 60s, after it caused hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of damage to agriculture...

      Comment


      • #4
        I live in Key Largo and noticed a disturbing trend tied to Zika, screw worm, other vector diseases and even our invasive python problem. We have big-box corporate pet food retailers sponsoring feral cat "rescue" groups. These groups are extremely active in obstructing traditional euthanasia practices in our animal control facilities. They also conduct daily feedings of rapidly growing cat colonies by leaving processed pet food on the ground and (illegally) walking away from it. I have observed that a roughly equal number of raccoons visit the un-attended food, and hordes of raccoons and opossums will thwart feral cat trapping efforts by getting caught in the live traps. Great care must be taken to hide the set traps to prevent "cat rescuers" from interfering.

        There seem to be many times the normal population levels of mid-size mammals in suburban areas of south Florida. Black rats (aka roof rats) are also numerous. Media entities never seem to mention the possibility of a link between our high population of these animals and mosquito control, invasive pythons, screw worms, etc. Law enforcement has been reluctant to enforce the local municipal codes regarding animals and feeding.

        Comment


        • #5
          APHIS Confirms New World Screwworm in Miami-Dade County, Florida

          Published: Jan 9, 2017

          Contacts:
          Donna.L.Karlsons@aphis.usda.gov
          Lyndsay.M.Cole@aphis.usda.gov

          January 9, 2017 ? Washington, DC - The United States Department of Agriculture?s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) in a stray dog near Homestead, Florida. The dog was isolated and his infested wounds were treated. He is now in good health. Federal and state officials have started active surveillance in the area.

          This is the first confirmed case on Florida?s mainland. Screwworm was first confirmed on October 3, 2016 in Key deer from National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key, Florida. This initial presence of screwworm was the first local detection in the United States in more than 30 years and Florida?s Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam Putnam declared an agricultural state of emergency in Monroe County, Florida.

          Since October, 13 Keys had known infestations mostly in the key deer population, with five confirmed infestations in domestic animals. Animal health and wildlife officials at the state and federal levels have been working aggressively to eradicate this pest. Extensive response efforts have included fly assessments to determine the extent of the infestation, release of sterile flies to prevent reproduction and disease surveillance to look for additional cases in animals. Officials have received significantly fewer reports of adult screwworm flies in the area and fewer cases of infected Key deer. To date, fly assessments have been conducted on 40 Keys. USDA has released over 80 million sterile flies from 25 ground release sites on twelve islands and the city of Marathon. The initial epidemiology report on the Florida Keys infestation may be viewed at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/stakehold...epi-report.pdf

          Residents who have warm-blooded animals (pets, livestock, etc.) should watch their animals carefully. Florida residents should report any potential cases to 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352) or non-Florida residents should call (850) 410-3800. Visitors to the area should ensure any pets that are with them are also checked, in order to prevent the spread of this infestation.

          While human cases of New World screwworm are rare, they have occurred, and public health officials are involved in the response. No human cases have been reported in Florida. For more information about this disease in humans, please contact your local public health department. Using fly repellents and keeping skin wounds clean and protected from flies can help prevent infection with screwworm in both people and animals.

          New World screwworm are fly larvae (maggots) that can infest livestock and other warm-blooded animals, including people. They most often enter an animal through an open wound and feed on the animal?s living flesh. While they can fly much farther under ideal conditions, adult flies generally do not travel more than a couple of miles if there are suitable host animals in the area. New World screwworm is more likely to spread long distances when infested animals move to new areas and carry the pest there.

          In the 1950s, USDA developed a new method to help eradicate screwworm using a form of biological control, called the sterile insect technique, which releases infertile flies in infested areas. When they mate with wild females, no offspring result. With fewer fertile mates available in each succeeding generation, the fly, in essence, breeds itself out of existence. USDA used this technique to eradicate screwworm from the U.S. and worked with other countries in Central America and the Caribbean to eradicate it there as well. Today, USDA and its partners maintain a permanent sterile fly barrier at the Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia to prevent the establishment of any screwworm flies that enter from South America.

          APHIS Confirms New World Screwworm in Miami-Dade County, Florida

          Jan 9, 2017, 12:00:00 PM MST
          "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
          -Nelson Mandela

          Comment


          • #6
            JANUARY 10, 2017 5:31 AM

            Flesh-eating screwworm appears outside Florida Keys in stray dog
            ...
            BY KATIE ATKINS
            katkins@keynoter.com

            For the first time in more than three decades, New World screwworm has been found on Florida?s mainland.

            A stray dog was found in Homestead with the flesh-eating parasite last week and the worms in its body were confirmed as screwworm. The dog has been treated and is in good health.

            It wasn?t known if someone from the Keys abandoned the dog or if it got infested in another way.

            Jenn Meale, communications director for the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, said surveillance efforts between the department and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have increased in the Homestead area.
            ...
            The spread of screwworm on the mainland could be devastating to Florida?s livestock, which is why Meale said efforts to lock down any presence of screwworm have increased. There is no sign as to where the screwworm came from, Meale said.
            ...

            "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
            -Nelson Mandela

            Comment


            • #7
              Officials to Release Sterile Flies in Homestead in Precautionary Move

              Jan 11, 2017

              TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Following the announcement that a stray dog found in Homestead, Fla. was positive for New World screwworm, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced today that it will begin releasing sterile flies on Friday, Jan. 13, 2017 in the Homestead area as a precautionary measure. Since the 1950s, the Sterile Insect Technique has been used to effectively eradicate screwworm, and it is considered safe for people, animals and the environment.

              “While the dog has been treated and is doing well, there are still a lot of unknowns about the dog's history and recent locations. Given that Florida's livestock industry is at stake, this sterile fly release is a precautionary move to ensure we're doing everything we can to aggressively eradicate the screwworm from Florida,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.

              The Sterile Insect Technique is the most effective resource we have to eliminate New World screwworm. We urge residents and visitors to observe their pets and other animals in the area for any suspicious wounds. These observations are critical to our eradication program,” said Dr. Jack Shere, USDA Chief Veterinarian.

              New World screwworm was first confirmed on Sept. 30, 2016 in Key deer from the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key, Florida. This initial presence of screwworm was the first local detection in the United States in more than 30 years, and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam declared an agricultural state of emergency in Monroe County, Fla.

              Animal health and wildlife officials at the state and federal levels have been working aggressively to eradicate this pest. Extensive response efforts have included: fly assessments to determine the extent of the infestation, release of sterile flies to prevent reproduction and disease surveillance to look for additional cases in animals. To date, fly assessments have been conducted on 40 Keys. USDA has released over 80 million sterile flies from 25 ground release sites in the Keys.
              The agencies immediately expanded surveillance in Homestead following the screwworm confirmation in the stray dog. While no additional animals have been found with screwworm and none of the surveillance measures has yielded positive finds, this sterile insect release is being conducted as a preemptive measure.
              New World screwworms are fly larvae (maggots) that can infest livestock and other warm-blooded animals, including people in rare cases. They most often enter an animal through an open wound and feed on the animal's living flesh.

              In the 1950s, USDA developed a new method to help eradicate screwworm using a form of biological control, called the sterile insect technique, which releases infertile male flies in infested areas. When they mate with local females, no offspring result. With fewer fertile mates available in each succeeding generation, the fly, in essence, breeds itself out of existence. USDA used this technique to eradicate screwworm from the U.S. and worked with other countries in Central America and the Caribbean to eradicate it there as well. Today, USDA and its partners maintain a permanent sterile fly barrier at the Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia to prevent the establishment of any screwworm flies that enter from South America.

              Residents who have warm-blooded animals (pets, livestock, etc.) should watch their animals carefully and report any potential cases to 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352) or non-Florida residents should call (850) 410-3800. Visitors to the area should ensure any pets that are with them are also checked, in order to prevent the spread of this infestation.

              While human cases of New World screwworm are rare, they have occurred, and public health officials are involved in the response. For more information about this disease in humans, please contact your local public health department.

              More information, including information on positive detections, can be found atFreshFromFlorida.com/screwworm. On this web page, people can find general information on screwworm, upload photos of suspected cases that they would like to have reviewed, and sign up for the screwworm email update.

              http://www.freshfromflorida.com/News...autionary-Move

              "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
              -Nelson Mandela

              Comment


              • #8
                New world screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax),
                United States of America
                Information received on 20/01/2017 from Dr John Clifford, Official Delegate, Chief Trade Advisor, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, United States of America
                Summary
                Report type Follow-up report No. 11
                Date of start of the event 13/07/2016
                Date of confirmation of the event 30/09/2016
                Report date 20/01/2017
                Date submitted to OIE 20/01/2017
                Reason for notification Reoccurrence of a listed disease
                Date of previous occurrence 1982
                Manifestation of disease Clinical disease
                Causal agent New world screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax)
                Nature of diagnosis Laboratory (advanced)
                This event pertains to a defined zone within the country
                Related reports Immediate notification (03/10/2016)
                Follow-up report No. 1 (12/10/2016)
                Follow-up report No. 2 (19/10/2016)
                Follow-up report No. 3 (25/10/2016)
                Follow-up report No. 4 (02/11/2016)
                Follow-up report No. 5 (10/11/2016)
                Follow-up report No. 6 (17/11/2016)
                Follow-up report No. 7 (22/11/2016)
                Follow-up report No. 8 (01/12/2016)
                Follow-up report No. 9 (13/12/2016)
                Follow-up report No. 10 (29/12/2016)
                Follow-up report No. 11 (20/01/2017)
                New outbreaks (1)
                Outbreak 1 Miami - Dade County, Miami - Dade, FLORIDA
                Date of start of the outbreak 06/01/2017
                Outbreak status Continuing (or date resolved not provided)
                Epidemiological unit Not applicable
                Affected animals
                Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered
                Dogs 1 0 0 0
                Affected population A single case of NWS myiasis in a stray dog.
                Summary of outbreaks Total outbreaks: 1
                Total animals affected
                Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered
                Dogs 1 0 0 0
                Outbreak statistics
                Species Apparent morbidity rate Apparent mortality rate Apparent case fatality rate Proportion susceptible animals lost*
                Dogs ** ** 0.00% **
                *Removed from the susceptible population through death, destruction and/or slaughter
                **Not calculated because of missing information
                Epidemiology
                Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection
                • Unknown or inconclusive
                Epidemiological comments As of Jan 19, 2017: Animal health and wildlife officials, with the assistance from numerous agencies within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the State of Florida, are continuing to investigate, conduct surveillance, and respond to the detection of New World screwworm (NWS). NWS (Cochliomyia hominivorax) has been identified in wild Key Deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium), other wildlife, local pets (including a pet pig), and a stray dog. The Infestation Zone of New World screwworm is limited to Big Pine Key and adjacent Keys. The first and only case of New World screwworm infestation was recently identified in Miami-Dade County in a stray dog. Intensive active surveillance and assessments have been implemented in the Miami-Dade County area, and at this time, this area is not considered to be NWS infested or an Infestation Zone. The stray dog was isolated, treated, and subsequently healed and is free of NWS. Response activities include enhanced surveillance surrounding the detections and inspection at an official animal movement inspection station of all animals moving into and out the Florida Keys. The Sterile Fly Release Task Force has released sterile flies (sterile pupae) at multiple locations on Big Pine Key, No Name Key, other surrounding Keys, and in Miami-Dade County near Homestead, Florida. Sterile fly releases will continue twice-weekly for a minimum of 25 weeks. Fly trappings to evaluate effectiveness of the release are ongoing. The goal is to eradicate the New World screwworm flies from the affected Keys and surrounding area. To date, there has been no confirmed infestations or evidence of NWS myiasis in any production livestock.
                Control measures
                Measures applied
                • Movement control inside the country
                • Screening
                • Quarantine
                • Surveillance outside containment and/or protection zone
                • Surveillance within containment and/or protection zone
                • Zoning
                • Control of vectors
                • Vaccination prohibited
                • Treatment of affected animals (wound and myiasis treatment)
                Measures to be applied
                • No other measures
                Diagnostic test results
                Laboratory name and type Species Test Test date Result
                National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) (National laboratory) Dogs microscopic examination of larvae 06/01/2017 Positive
                Future Reporting
                The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.
                ...
                "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                -Nelson Mandela

                Comment


                • #9
                  New World Screwworm

                  Last Modified: Jan 31, 2017

                  Related Links

                  APHIS International Services Screwworm Information
                  Florida Department of Agriculture New World Screwworm Information
                  Monroe County, FL Screwworm Update
                  US Fish & Wildlife Service Key deer update
                  Short History of the U.S. Screwworm Eradication Program



                  On October 3, 2016 USDA announced the confirmation of New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) in Key deer from National Key Deer Refuge in Big Pine Key, Florida. New World screwworm had been eradicated from the United States more than three decades ago, and this is the first infestation in Florida in 50 years. USDA is partnering with US Fish and Wildlife Services, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and Florida?s Monroe County to prevent the spread of the screwworm fly to mainland Florida, eradicate the screwworm flies from the affected Florida keys, preserve the endangered Key deer, and protect domestic animals and pets on the Keys.What is Screwworm?

                  New World screwworm disease is an infestation with the larvae of the New World screwworm fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax) that lives off the flesh of living mammals and, less commonly, birds. During the past century the presence of New World screwworm cost the U.S. livestock industry an average of $20 million annually.
                  The eradication strategy consists of the following elements:


                  Sterile Fly Release

                  USDA is using a proven method for eradicating New World screwworm fly populations that takes advantage of the fly?s own biology. Female screwworm flies mate one time in their 21-day life span. We release approximately 3 million sterile flies twice a week in the affected area of the Florida Keys. As the population of sterile screwworm flies increases the population of fertile screwworm flies decreases until the population dies out.
                  USDA will continue releasing sterile flies until there have been no new clinical cases and the population of New World screwworm flies has been eliminated. This eradication strategy typically takes 4-6 months to complete.
                  USDA has released over 40 million sterile flies since the strategy was implemented in early October 2016, and screwworm cases in Key deer are declining
                  Learn more about APHIS IS? Sterile Fly Program.

                  Screwworm Fly Surveillance

                  APHIS International Services are working with colleagues from Panama to monitor the success of the screwworm fly eradication strategy. The team captures flies from across the Florida keys and determines if they are sterile or fertile.
                  No fertile flies have been found outside the infested zone in the lower Florida keys, an early indicator of successful implementation of the eradication strategy.

                  Animal Health Checkpoint

                  To prevent New World screwworm from leaving the keys on pets or livestock a mandatory animal health checkpoint has been established at Mile Marker 106 in Key Largo.
                  Travelers with livestock or pets are required to stop at the checkpoint and report any signs consistent with screwworm. A veterinarian is assigned to the checkpoint to examine all suspect animals. The checkpoint is also a source of community outreach and education about New World screwworm, the local infestation, and the eradication strategy, and preventive measures that can be taken to protect livestock and pets.
                  More than 6,000 animals have travelled through the checkpoint and none have been affected by New World screwworm.

                  Animal Reports and Response
                  USDA and Florida Department of Agriculture respond to reports of suspect wildlife, livestock (including poultry) and pets with clinical signs consistent with New World screwworm infestation. There have been no cases in livestock in the Keys or on the mainland, and no cases have been reported outside of the infested Key islands.


                  Key Deer Monitoring
                  and Response

                  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), USDA, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have made significant efforts to protect endangered Key deer and other wildlife from infestation. The response effort has been to locate infested deer and administer medication, treat mild and moderate wounds by trained wildlife veterinarians, and in advanced cases euthanize deer for the animal?s welfare and to protect the remaining healthy deer and other wildlife.
                  On October 20, 2016 FWS personnel and trained Refuge volunteers began administering doramectin, an anti-parasitic medicine, to treat Key deer as a preventative measure. Service biologists and a team of more than 170 trained volunteers continue to administer oral doses of the anti-parasitic medication doramectin to Key deer.
                  Additionally, 27 self-medication stations have also been erected in backcountry areas inaccessible to staff and volunteers. These self-medication stations will become the main method of doramectin administration over time.
                  FWS provides current statistics on the total number of therapeutic doses of doramectin administered to Key deer, the number of Key deer euthanized or deceased from screwworm infestation, and the date of the last Key deer death due to screwworm. Visit the FWS Key deer refuge screwworm response update page for this information.

                  YOU CAN HELP

                  Report suspect animals. Please report mammals and birds with the following symptoms ? irritated behavior, head shaking, the smell of decay, evidence of fly strike ? to the agency hotlines below.
                  • Key deer and wildlife: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Key Deer hotline (888) 404-3922, ext. 7.
                  • Livestock and pets: Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (800) HELP-FLA (800-435-7352).
                  Don?t take screwworm home with you. Visiting the Keys? The screwworm fly can spread by transportation inside vehicles. On your trip home, check your car for flies and remove them before driving home.
                  Report a historical screwworm case. If you live on or visited the Florida Keys this spring or summer and you observed an animal with signs consistent with screwworm, please report it at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/screwwormReport This information will assist the USDA and FDACS in identifying the possible point of re-entry of screwworm into the United States.

                  https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/our...nformation/nws


                  "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                  -Nelson Mandela

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    New world screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax),
                    United States of America
                    Information received on 07/02/2017 from Dr John Clifford, Official Delegate, Chief Trade Advisor, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, United States of America
                    Summary
                    Report type Follow-up report No. 12
                    Date of start of the event 13/07/2016
                    Date of confirmation of the event 30/09/2016
                    Report date 07/02/2017
                    Date submitted to OIE 07/02/2017
                    Reason for notification Reoccurrence of a listed disease
                    Date of previous occurrence 1982
                    Manifestation of disease Clinical disease
                    Causal agent New world screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax)
                    Nature of diagnosis Laboratory (advanced)
                    This event pertains to a defined zone within the country
                    Related reports Immediate notification (03/10/2016)
                    Follow-up report No. 1 (12/10/2016)
                    Follow-up report No. 2 (19/10/2016)
                    Follow-up report No. 3 (25/10/2016)
                    Follow-up report No. 4 (02/11/2016)
                    Follow-up report No. 5 (10/11/2016)
                    Follow-up report No. 6 (17/11/2016)
                    Follow-up report No. 7 (22/11/2016)
                    Follow-up report No. 8 (01/12/2016)
                    Follow-up report No. 9 (13/12/2016)
                    Follow-up report No. 10 (29/12/2016)
                    Follow-up report No. 11 (20/01/2017)
                    Follow-up report No. 12 (07/02/2017)
                    Outbreaks There are no new outbreaks in this report
                    Epidemiology
                    Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection
                    • Unknown or inconclusive
                    Epidemiological comments As of February 6, 2017: Animal health and wildlife officials, with the assistance from numerous agencies within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the State of Florida, are continuing to investigate, conduct surveillance, and respond to the detection of New World screwworm (NWS). NWS (Cochliomyia hominivorax) has been identified in wild Key Deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium), other wildlife, local pets (including a pet pig), and a stray dog. The Infestation Zone of New World screwworm is limited to Big Pine Key and adjacent Keys. Intensive active surveillance and assessments continue to be conducted in the Miami-Dade County area in response to the identification of a stray dog infested with NWS. At this time, this area is still not considered to be NWS infested or an Infestation Zone. The stray dog was isolated, treated, and subsequently healed and is free of NWS. Response activities include enhanced surveillance surrounding the detections and inspection at an official animal movement inspection station of all animals moving into and out the Florida Keys. The Sterile Fly Release Task Force has released sterile flies (sterile pupae) at multiple locations on Big Pine Key, No Name Key, other surrounding Keys, and in Miami-Dade County near Homestead, Florida. Sterile fly releases will continue twice-weekly for a minimum of 25 weeks. Fly trappings to evaluate effectiveness of the release are ongoing. The goal is to eradicate the New World screwworm flies from the affected Keys and surrounding area. The last confirmed case of NWS in a domestic animals (dog) was January 6, 2017 and in wildlife January 10, 2017. To date, there has been no confirmed infestations or evidence of NWS myiasis in any production livestock.
                    Control measures
                    Measures applied
                    • Movement control inside the country
                    • Screening
                    • Quarantine
                    • Surveillance outside containment and/or protection zone
                    • Surveillance within containment and/or protection zone
                    • Zoning
                    • Control of vectors
                    • Vaccination prohibited
                    • Treatment of affected animals (wound and myiasis treatment)
                    Measures to be applied
                    • No other measures
                    Future Reporting
                    The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.
                    ...
                    "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                    -Nelson Mandela

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      USDA Announces Eradication of New World Screwworm in Florida

                      Mar 23, 2017, 12:00:00 PM MDT

                      USDA Announces Eradication of New World Screwworm in Florida

                      Published: Mar 23, 2017 March 23, 2017 – USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing the successful eradication of the New World screwworm (NWS) from Florida.

                      “I want to personally thank our many collaborating partners at the Federal, State, and local levels,” said Dr. Jack Shere, USDA Chief Veterinarian. “Through their dedication and professionalism close to 154 million sterile flies have been released, 16,902 animals have been inspected at checkpoints, and almost 430 hours of active surveillance in the Keys and 250 hours of active surveillance on the mainland have been completed. Their tireless work has allowed us to eliminate New World screwworm from the United States once again.”

                      Animal health checkpoints, or interdiction stations, were closed on Saturday. The last sterile fly releases in Homestead, FL took place on Tuesday and fly releases are scheduled to end on April 25 in the Florida Keys.

                      APHIS considers an area to be screwworm-free through surveillance which includes trapping flies and visually inspecting animals for signs and symptoms of NWS infestation. No new cases of NWS have been reported in Florida since January 10. Science shows that, when sterile flies are released, elimination of NWS is achieved three life cycles after the last detection. The flies have on average, a 21-day life cycle, and they continue to circulate in the area for three weeks beyond each release. In the Keys, APHIS will complete five life cycles beyond the last positive screwworm detection. Out of an abundance of caution, APHIS also released flies in the Homestead area for three completed life cycles.

                      APHIS and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) will continue passive surveillance to ensure any new findings are quickly identified. This surveillance includes veterinarians reporting any suspicious cases, wildlife surveillance, concerned citizens that see suspicious wounds on animals or even on a person, and continued communication with the parks and the National Key Deer Refuge.

                      APHIS began releasing sterile flies in October 2016, as part of aggressive eradication effort undertaken in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, FDACS, and local partners. More information about the screwworm response can be found here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/our...nformation/nws

                      "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                      -Nelson Mandela

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        New world screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax),
                        United States of America
                        Information received on 24/03/2017 from Dr John Clifford, Official Delegate, Chief Trade Advisor, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, United States of America
                        Summary
                        Report type Follow-up report No. 14 (Final report)
                        Date of start of the event 13/07/2016
                        Date of confirmation of the event 30/09/2016
                        Report date 24/03/2017
                        Date submitted to OIE 24/03/2017
                        Date event resolved 23/03/2017
                        Reason for notification Reoccurrence of a listed disease
                        Date of previous occurrence 1982
                        Manifestation of disease Clinical disease
                        Causal agent New world screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax)
                        Nature of diagnosis Laboratory (advanced)
                        This event pertains to a defined zone within the country
                        Related reports Immediate notification (03/10/2016)
                        Follow-up report No. 1 (12/10/2016)
                        Follow-up report No. 2 (19/10/2016)
                        Follow-up report No. 3 (25/10/2016)
                        Follow-up report No. 4 (02/11/2016)
                        Follow-up report No. 5 (10/11/2016)
                        Follow-up report No. 6 (17/11/2016)
                        Follow-up report No. 7 (22/11/2016)
                        Follow-up report No. 8 (01/12/2016)
                        Follow-up report No. 9 (13/12/2016)
                        Follow-up report No. 10 (29/12/2016)
                        Follow-up report No. 11 (20/01/2017)
                        Follow-up report No. 12 (07/02/2017)
                        Follow-up report No. 13 (16/03/2017)
                        Follow-up report No. 14 (24/03/2017)
                        Outbreaks There are no new outbreaks in this report
                        Epidemiology
                        Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection
                        • Unknown or inconclusive
                        Epidemiological comments Animal health and wildlife officials, with the assistance from numerous agencies within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the State of Florida, conducted a thorough investigation, surveillance, and response to the detection of New World screwworm (NWS) resulting in the eradication of New World screwworm from the US state of Florida. Response activities included enhanced surveillance in areas surrounding the detections; inspections at official animal movement control stations; sterile fly release at multiple locations, and fly trappings to evaluate the effectiveness of the sterile fly release. No new cases of NWS have been reported in Florida since January 10, 2017. APHIS and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) will continue surveillance activities to ensure any new findings are quickly identified. The New World screwworm event is considered closed.
                        Control measures
                        Measures applied
                        • Movement control inside the country
                        • Screening
                        • Quarantine
                        • Surveillance outside containment and/or protection zone
                        • Surveillance within containment and/or protection zone
                        • Zoning
                        • Control of vectors
                        • Vaccination prohibited
                        • Treatment of affected animals (wound and myiasis treatment)
                        Measures to be applied
                        • No other measures
                        Future Reporting
                        The event is resolved. No more reports will be submitted.
                        ...
                        "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                        -Nelson Mandela

                        Comment

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