Specialists gather from federal agencies, universities, scientific societies, and more than 25 states to share best practices, identify knowledge gaps on dangerous fly pest
Annapolis, MD; April 27, 2026—More than 100 experts in public health, entomology, epidemiology, healthcare, and veterinary specialties gathered in Atlanta this month to boost our nation's preparedness for the growing public health threat of New World screwworm. The two-day event was hosted by the Entomological Society of America in partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a serious threat to animals and humans in regions where it is present. A species of fly previously eradicated in the United States the mid-20th century, New World screwworm has re-emerged in Central American countries in the past two years. A broad swath of federal and state government agencies, research institutions, health departments, and scientific and agricultural groups are collaborating to prevent or delay the fly's northward range expansion and to prepare response plans to be deployed if it does arrive in the United States.
The ESA and CDC event, titled "New World Screwworm Abatement Through a Public Health Lens: An Emergency Preparedness Exercise" and hosted April 15-17, focused on New World screwworm's potential impact on public health and convened experts from across the country and a variety of sectors. They participated in a series of scenario-planning exercises, allowing them to share knowledge and best practices, identify preparedness gaps, and discuss response processes and protocols that could be used in various situations in which New World screwworm might appear.
"The work of the experts gathered here has helped increase awareness of New World screwworm and emphasize that this is not only an animal health concern—it's also a public health concern that can affect people," Gwen Biggerstaff, Deputy Director of CDC's Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, told the conference. While there are many uncertainties in responding to New World screwworm, "We have been given the benefit of time to prepare and plan," she said.
New World screwworm is a species of blowfly whose larvae (maggots) feed on living tissue of warm-blooded animals and humans. Female screwworm flies lay their eggs in or near open wounds or mucous membranes (e.g., nose, mouth, ears, eyes), and the ensuing larval infestation causes severe tissue damage if not treated swiftly. Cattle and other livestock are common hosts, as are pets and wildlife. Infestations in humans can also occur, particularly among those working with animals, as well as those with open wounds or who sleep outdoors. Infants, the elderly, and people with complex skin lesions or underlying conditions that contribute to them are also vulnerable.
Attendees in Atlanta discussed preparation and response needs for a variety of potential scenarios and populations in which a screwworm infestation may appear, such as travel-associated or locally acquired human cases. Participants considered scenarios involving people experiencing homelessness, the incarcerated, and companion animals. They also discussed specifics of working with cases in tribal communities and rural populations.
ESA plans to publish an outcome report in the coming weeks that details best practices, recommended steps, knowledge gaps identified, and other resources based on input from event attendees.
ESA hosted the event through a cooperative partnership with CDC, and invited participants were identified for their roles and expertise in public health and related fields. Attendees included experts from CDC, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other federal agencies; six universities; 27 state- or local-level departments of health; and 10 nonprofit scientific and medical societies.
"As the world's leading organization serving and advocating for entomological science, ESA is proud to partner with the CDC on responding to public health concerns related to insects," said Erin Cadwalader, Ph.D., ESA director of strategic leadership and policy. "We are also deeply grateful to all of the experts from across the country who contributed their time and knowledge to this event. This was an important step toward improving U.S. capacity to minimize the potential public health impact of New World screwworm."
###
CONTACT: Joe Rominiecki, jrominiecki@entsoc.org, 301-731-4535 x3009
ABOUT: ESA is the largest organization in the world serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists and people in related disciplines. Founded in 1889, ESA today has nearly 7,000 members affiliated with educational institutions, health agencies, private industry, and government. Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, the Society stands ready as a non-partisan scientific and educational resource for all insect-related topics. For more information, visit www.entsoc.org.