Texas A&M University Leads Development of Novel Wound Treatment for New World Screwworm
On August 10, 2026, the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station is leading the development of fast-acting, low-residue wound treatments for livestock infected with New World screwworm. The project, funded at $1.86 million, is led by Dr. Mustafa E. S. Akbulut, Associate Professor in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University, with the goal of providing ranchers and veterinarians with immediately deployable field treatment tools after infection occurs in animals. New World screwworm is a parasite that feeds on living tissue. According to available data, the pest is currently spreading in Central America and Mexico, with over 150,000 animal infection cases reported. Recently, cases have also emerged in Texas and New Mexico. Federal models predict that a large-scale outbreak in Texas could result in livestock losses exceeding $1.8 billion. If left untreated, these pests can cause severe harm to livestock, companion animals, and wildlife.
2026-08-11
