DALLAS – Dallas Safari Club (DSC) recognizes the great threat posed by the New World Screwworm (NWS). As an organization dedicated to wildlife conservation, habitat, and our hunting heritage, we are closely monitoring the spread and progression of this dangerous parasite and actively advocating for actions to prevent its spread.
NWS is a flesh-eating parasite that has decimated wildlife and livestock populations in Texas and the southern U.S. in the past causing huge economic and ecological losses. It is endemic to Central and South America. In the 1950s eradication efforts began with the release of sterile male flies and NSW was eradicated in the US by the late 1960s. Nonetheless, NSW has made a recent resurgence and is once again making its way north from Central America and southern Mexico.
DSC joins with other North American wildlife conservation and hunting organizations in supporting federal, state and local authorities in combating NWS. We are committed to leveraging our educational platforms, communications outreach, and membership network to raise awareness and promote preventative action.
We also recognize the serious economic and ecological threat that this parasite represents—particularly to private landowners and ranchers across Texas and the southern United States who have long been the dedicated stewards of all wildlife and livestock. These landowners, the rural economies linked to their land, and our wildlife must be protected.
DSC urges swift, coordinated, and well-funded action by all responsible agencies. We will continue to use our time, voice, and resources to help safeguard the future of all wildlife and rural land stewardship in the face of this growing issue.
For more information on NSW please visit USDA’s website here.
For information on workshops being held in Texas on NWS the USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) please see below (you must register for the workshops and will then receive an email with instructions):
Friday, June 27, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. ET
Topic: Sterile Fly Production Technology
Click to register
Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. ET
Topic: Eradication Tools and Technologies Aside from Sterile Fly Production
Click to register
Monday, July 7, 2025, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. ET
Topic: Benefits and Barriers of Enhanced Domestic vs International Sterile Fly Production (including timelines and costs)
Click to register
Friday, July 11, 2025, 1:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m. ET
Topic: Other Innovative NWS Ideas
Click to register
