Hawaii Prepares for Screwworm Threat | Honolulu News

Hawaii’s agriculture and health departments are sounding the alarm on the New World screwworm — a deadly fly that’s already hit Texas and New Mexico — as they ramp up defenses to keep it from reaching the islands. Though the risk is low, officials urge pet and livestock owners to stay vigilant: new FDA-approved treatments like generic Nitenpyram for dogs and cats, and Ivermectin for horses, are now available. Early detection and year-round flea/tick prevention are critical, since the fly lays eggs in open wounds and feeds on living tissue. Wildlife, especially axis deer, are at higher risk, while bird-to-island spread is considered unlikely. Ranchers stress daily checks and strict biosecurity — and public cooperation — as the best shield against this invasive threat. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f1c28f48cc049563