Farm workers at high risk amid screwworm outbreak in US south-west

Farm workers at high risk amid screwworm outbreak in US south-west

Farm workers at high risk amid - The recent resurgence of the New World screwworm in the American Southwest has brought renewed attention to the vulnerabilities of agricultural workers, who are disproportionately affected by the spread of the parasitic fly. While the primary threat lies in livestock, the implications for human health are significant, especially for those in close proximity to infected animals. This situation highlights broader challenges in healthcare access, which compound the risks of zoonotic disease transmission, including the ongoing H5N1 bird flu crisis.

Screwworm has been identified in goats and sheep in three Texas counties over the past few days, marking the 16th confirmed case in animals since the outbreak began. Although no human infections have been reported yet, the potential for spillover remains a pressing concern. Rebekah Stewart, a clinical educator and care coordinator with the Migrant Clinicians Network, emphasizes that the disease’s proximity to human populations is growing. “If they’re not in touch with the healthcare system, they’re very likely not going to be picked up by any of the surveillance that is being done,” she explained. “It’s like a jungle gym—the number of hoops and barriers that a person has to jump over to get from the farm to a healthcare system.”

“Any opportunity that we can reduce those barriers is going to be not just good for the individuals and their community, but good for all of us,” Stewart added.

Stewart’s insights underscore the systemic gaps in healthcare accessibility for farm workers. Many laborers face logistical hurdles, such as working late hours after clinics close, living in remote areas with limited transportation options, and lacking insurance or financial means to cover medical expenses. Language barriers further exacerbate the issue, as some workers may hesitate to seek care due to unfamiliarity with health services or fear of interacting with public health authorities. These challenges are especially pronounced for migrant workers and communities of color, who may also be wary of leaving their work sites because of policies like those under the Trump administration that target immigrant populations.

Tom Paterson, president of the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association and a rancher in Catron county, noted that the livestock industry has been preparing for the return of screwworm for months. “It’s become a matter of when, not if, the screwworm would arrive,” he said. “We’ve transitioned from describing New World screwworm and its risks to advising our members on how to respond once it’s detected.” His ranch, which operates off the electricity grid, relies on solar power and batteries for energy, making air conditioning unavailable. To combat the heat, workers open windows and doors, but they use screens to prevent the flies from entering. “Here on my ranch, we’ve been discussing the New World screwworm. All my guys wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants, gloves, and a hat,” Paterson shared.

Protective clothing like this not only guards against screwworm but also offers defense against other insects and sun exposure. Paterson’s emphasis on preparedness reflects a broader shift in the industry’s approach to disease management. “It can happen, and people have got to pay attention,” he warned. The focus on early intervention is critical, as the screwworm’s life cycle involves laying eggs in wounds as small as a tick bite. Without timely treatment, the disease can spread rapidly among livestock, threatening the $347.7bn meat and poultry sector.

The impact of the outbreak extends beyond immediate health concerns. Stewart pointed out that the disease’s presence in animals increases the likelihood of human exposure, particularly for those who work long hours and reside in close quarters. For example, if a worker rests outside after a grueling day, they might inadvertently become a host for the flies. “Cleaning and covering wounds is really important,” Stewart said. “The fly tends to lay its eggs more commonly in mammals, and we see it a lot in livestock, so you’re going to see a greater density of flies in those areas.”

Stewart also highlighted the psychological barriers that deter farm workers from seeking care. Fear of financial strain or uncertainty about insurance coverage can lead to delayed treatment, which worsens outcomes for both people and animals. “Agricultural workers may delay care for any number of reasons,” she explained. “It could be because they’re trying to get as much work as possible in during the day. It could be that their working hours overlap with when the clinics or health centers are open. It could also be because of concerns about being able to pay for services or lack of insurance.”

These barriers create a cycle where emerging diseases are harder to detect and control. Disease surveillance, a key tool in public health, relies on consistent data collection, which is undermined when workers are disconnected from healthcare systems. Stewart argues that partnerships with migrant health programs are essential to bridge this gap. “Something that farm owners or anyone who’s employing farm workers could think about is trying to partner with migrant health programs,” she suggested. “That way, people have a way to access healthcare easily, quickly, and readily, right where they are.”

The screwworm’s return to the U.S. after four decades of eradication serves as a reminder of the fragility of disease control efforts. Before its elimination, the parasitic fly caused hundreds of millions of dollars in losses to the livestock industry, primarily by infesting wounds and leading to severe infections in animals. Now, with the flies reappearing in Central America, their movement northward has raised alarms among farmers and health officials. Paterson’s ranch exemplifies the proactive measures being taken, such as enforcing protective gear and implementing physical barriers to prevent infestation.

Stewart’s comments also point to the need for a more integrated approach to public health. “If we don’t address the structural issues that keep farm workers from accessing care, we’ll continue to miss early signs of outbreaks,” she said. “This isn’t just about protecting individuals—it’s about safeguarding entire communities and the economy.” As the outbreak progresses, the emphasis on prevention and rapid response will be vital to minimizing human and animal casualties. The combination of physical and systemic barriers means that the fight against screwworm is not just a matter of medical intervention, but also of ensuring that those at risk have the support they need to stay healthy and connected to essential services.