screwworm

[skroo-wurm]

noun

1. the larva of any of certain flies of the genus Callitroga, which sometimes infests wounds and the nose and navel of domestic animals and humans.

screwworm

/ ˈskruːˌwɜːm /

noun

1. the larva of a dipterous fly, Callitroga macellaria, that develops beneath the skin of living mammals often causing illness or death

2. the fly producing this larva: family Calliphoridae

Word History and Origins

Origin of screwworm¹

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80; screw + worm

Example Sentences

California health officials warn that the New World Screwworm could arrive in California from an infested traveler or animal, or from the natural travel of the parasitic flies.

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The New World Screwworm has rapidly spread northward from Panama since 2023 and farther into Central America.

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Graphic images of New World Screwworm infestations show open wounds in cows, deer, pigs, chickens, horses and goats, infesting a wide swath of the body from the neck, head and mouth to the belly and legs.

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After the Maryland incident, the California Department of Public Health decided to issue a health advisory this month warning that the New World Screwworm could arrive in California from an infested traveler or animal, or from the natural travel of the flies.

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“As the New World Screwworm flies northward, they may start to see people at the borders — through the cattle industry — get them, too.”

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