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

Food and Drug Administration for its tablets for treating screwworm.

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The FDA said Friday it had given the authorization after concluding that it is reasonable to believe that the tablets, called Credelio, may be effective in treating New World screwworm infestations in dogs and puppies.

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In August, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. determined that New World screwworm presents significant potential for a public health emergency.

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He gave the FDA the ability to issue emergency-use authorizations for animal drugs to prevent screwworm.

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Most dogs in the U.S. are at low risk of screwworm, but dogs near the U.S.-Mexico border that have travelled to countries with active cases are more likely to be exposed.

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