One Health Heroes: New World Screwworm in the United States

New World screwworm has officially been detected in the United States, transforming what had been a looming public health concern into an active One Health response. In this episode, Dr. Mandy Sorensen, communications specialist for the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians, explains what makes this parasite unique, why it poses such a serious threat to pets, livestock, wildlife, and occasionally people, and how coordinated surveillance is helping slow its spread. She explains how the fly's life cycle fuels outbreaks, why early recognition is critical, and the role veterinarians, pet owners, producers, and public health officials all play in protecting animal health. The conversation also addresses what this means for travelers, livestock producers, and consumers—and why there's good news when it comes to food safety. Key Takeaways New World screwworm larvae feed on living tissue, not dead tissue. Early veterinary care can save lives and help stop the spread. Every pet owner and veterinarian plays a role in surveillance. Dogs can be infected, but livestock account for most current U.S. cases. The food supply remains safe despite the ongoing outbreak. All Veterinarians are One Health Veterinarians. Learn more here: ​American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians (AAFSPHV)​ Pet owners and veterinary professionals, sign up for our newsletter here: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/newsletter Help support our mission through BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/yourvet Our vision is for Your Vet Wants You to Know to be a resource for veterinarians to improve client communication by introducing a discussion about a common topic during the vet visit, then directing the client to a reliable source of engaging, understandable, and accessible information.   By doing so, we strive for: 1) increased pet health literacy among pet owners,   2) improved partnership between clients and the veterinary team,   3) improved medical outcomes for pets, and   4) improved quality of life and efficiency for veterinarians.   Connect with Your Vet! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow