A Flesh-Eating Fly Could Be Headed for Missouri in 2026

2025 was a wild year for the Show-Me State, encroaching bears, mountain lions, earthquake threats, and increasing car thefts just to rattle off a few possible in-state dangers. 2026 seems up for the challenge though.

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Just a few days into the new year, we’ve already been treated to the potential re-introduction of gray wolves in the Missouri wilderness, and now a flesh-eating fly has decided that the Show-Me State would be a nice place to spend some time.

The New World screwworm fly is poised to return to the United States

Read More: Experts Say Missouri Should bring Wolves Back

The Missouri Department of Conservation warns that the New World screwworm fly could land in Missouri quicker than its growth pattern suggests by arriving on infected animals from states south of Missouri. The New World screwworm fly has been slowly trekking north since traversing Panama in 2022. They have been found in northern Mexico moving north toward Texas. Cold weather stops the larvae and pupae from developing.

These flies have been making their way north for a few years

The flesh-eating fly lays its eggs in an open wound and after they hatch, the maggots feast on the living flesh around them. These maggots are far more voracious than common fly maggots we know now that will consume dead flesh. These flies were previously eradicated in the United States back in 1966. To end them in the 21^st century will cost more.

Cattle, pets and wild animals - and potentially humans could be affected

Any warm-blooded animals are at risk. Wild animals like deer, raccoons, and rabbits. Farm animals, pets and even humans with open sores are targets. There are treatments, but early detection is key. Removal of the aggressive maggots can be next to impossible if they chew deep enough into the body.