Farm workers at high risk amid screwworm outbreak in US south-west
Summary
A screwworm outbreak has been detected in animals across parts of Texas, putting farm workers at higher risk of infection. These workers often face challenges accessing healthcare, which makes preventing and controlling diseases harder for public health officials.Key Facts
- Screwworm has been found in goats and sheep in three Texas counties, with 16 animal cases total and no human cases reported yet.
- Farm workers, especially migrants and people of color, face barriers to healthcare like long work hours, remote living, lack of insurance, language difficulties, and fear of immigration enforcement.
- These barriers reduce the chances of detecting infections early and stopping outbreaks through disease surveillance.
- Screwworm mainly affects animals, threatening the U.S. meat and poultry industry valued at $347.7 billion.
- The parasitic fly lays eggs in open wounds on animals and can also accidentally infect humans working closely with livestock.
- Protective measures for workers include wearing long clothes, gloves, hats, and using insect repellent to reduce the risk of fly bites.
- Ranchers and cattle growers are preparing for screwworm cases and educating workers on how to prevent infections.
- Cleaning and covering wounds is important to stop screwworm eggs from entering the body.
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