Screwworm: meaning, definitions and examples
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screwworm
[ˈskruːwɜːrm ]
Definition
parasitic insect
A screwworm is the larval stage of certain species of flies that infest and feed on living tissue of warm-blooded animals. These insects are known for causing severe damage and suffering in livestock and can lead to significant economic losses in agriculture. The most notorious species is the primary screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax, which primarily affects livestock and can also infect humans under specific circumstances. Effective control measures involve both biological and chemical methods to reduce their populations and prevent infestation.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The rancher had to treat his cattle for screwworm infestations.
- Screwworms pose a serious threat to the health of livestock.
- The veterinary team implemented a plan to eliminate screwworms from the region.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term screwworm comes from the larvae's spiral shape, resembling a screw.
- The word combines 'screw,' referring to its shape, and 'worm,' which is a common term for larvae.
Biology
- Screwworms are part of the family Calliphoridae and primarily affect livestock.
- Their larvae can grow up to 2 inches long and are capable of causing severe tissue damage.
- In a healthy environment, adult flies can lay hundreds of eggs in a single wound, quickly increasing their numbers.
History
- Screwworm infestations were a significant problem for farmers, especially in the Americas, until the mid-20th century.
- An eradication program using sterilization techniques was successfully implemented in the 1950s and 60s, dramatically reducing their population.
Economics
- Livestock operators face massive economic losses due to screwworm infestations, impacting meat production.
- Control programs can cost millions but save even more in livestock health and productivity.
Public Health
- Screwworms are not a threat to human health, but their larvae can be harmful to pets and domestic animals.
- Research into screwworm biology has contributed to our understanding of other parasitic infections affecting animals.
Translations
Translations of the word "screwworm" in other languages:
🇵🇹 verme de parafuso
🇮🇳 स्क्रूवर्म
🇩🇪 Schraubenwurm
🇮🇩 cacing sekrup
🇺🇦 гвинтовий черв'як
🇵🇱 robak śrubowy
🇯🇵 ネジワーム
🇫🇷 ver de vis
🇪🇸 gusano de tornillo
🇹🇷 vida solucanı
🇰🇷 스크류웜
🇸🇦 دودة البرغي
🇨🇿 šroubový červ
🇸🇰 šroubový červ
🇨🇳 螺丝虫
🇸🇮 navojni črv
🇮🇸 skrúfuormur
🇰🇿 винт құрт
🇬🇪 ბოლტი ჭია
🇦🇿 vida qurd
🇲🇽 gusano de tornillo