Screwworm Outbreak - Imported Beef: What Women Need to Know to Protect Their Families

Published by Women’s News Tampa Bay

August 2025

As the caretakers of our homes, families, and even community food choices, women have always played a central role in health and safety. That’s why the reemergence of the screwworm parasite—once thought eradicated in the United States—should have all of us paying attention, especially when it comes to imported beef and meat safety.

What Is the Screwworm?

Screwworms are the larvae of a dangerous fly that lays its eggs in open wounds on warm-blooded animals. But unlike regular maggots, these larvae feed on living flesh, causing painful, sometimes fatal, infections in livestock, pets, wildlife—and even humans.

While screwworm was successfully eradicated from the U.S. decades ago, new cases have recently appeared in Florida, Texas, and border states, raising serious questions about how it’s returning. One potential source? Imported meat and livestock from countries that still battle this parasite.

Why Women Should Be Concerned About Imported Beef

If you're the one doing the grocery shopping or meal prep in your household, here’s what you should know:

Many imported meats come from countries with lower health and inspection standards.

These products may bypass full USDA inspection due to loopholes or limited oversight.

Some countries known for exporting low-cost beef—like Brazil and Nicaragua—have ongoing problems with screwworm infestations and animal disease.

The concern isn't that you're eating live larvae—it's that the presence of infested animals in our supply chain could reintroduce screwworm into American farms, pets, and even people.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Family?

Knowledge is power, and you don’t need to be a scientist or farmer to take action:

1. Buy local or U.S.-sourced beef. Look for labels like “Product of USA” or buy from trusted butchers and farmers' markets.

2. Wash and thoroughly cook your meat. Proper cooking kills bacteria and parasites—but avoiding undercooked ground beef is key.

3. Know the signs of screwworm in pets or livestock.

Watch for:

• Wounds that won’t heal

• Bad odor or discharge

• Visible larvae or maggots

4. Be proactive with elected officials. Ask them to support tighter regulations on imported meat and increased funding for animal health inspections.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters

As women, we often lead the charge in keeping our homes healthy, protecting our children, and making informed choices about what goes on the table. The screwworm outbreak reminds us that our food supply isn't just a matter of convenience—it's a matter of safety.

If we want safe, high-quality meat and a food system we can trust, we have to demand better from our grocers, regulators, and suppliers.

Final Thought:

Would you feed your family meat that came from a country battling flesh-eating parasites? If the answer is no, let’s support each other in staying educated, asking tough questions, and shopping smarter.