What major issue has the New World Screwworm caused for ranchers?

The New World Screwworm is a significant pest that affects livestock, particularly cattle, by infesting open wounds and causing severe health problems. When these larvae enter wounds, they feed on the tissue and can lead to serious infections, which ultimately results in high mortality rates among affected animals. This situation poses a grave challenge for ranchers, as the loss of livestock due to screwworm infestations significantly impacts their operations, both in terms of animal welfare and economic productivity.

While increased feed costs and soil degradation may affect ranchers, they are not directly linked to the specific impact of the New World Screwworm. Similarly, cattle overpopulation pertains to a different set of challenges that ranchers face, primarily related to resource management and environmental concerns. In contrast, the direct threat that the New World Screwworm poses through increased livestock mortality is a critical issue that can drastically reduce herd numbers and affect ranchers’ livelihoods.