Суровые зимы Южной Дакоты остаются главным щитом от угрозы мясной мухи

South Dakota state veterinarian says winter temperatures are key defense against screwworm threat A single imported animal could bring the pest into local herds during warmer months RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - South Dakota’s state veterinarian says the state’s freezing winter temperatures are a critical factor in preventing screwworms from becoming permanently established here. State Veterinarian Dr. Mendel Miller addressed the screwworm threat during a presentation to South Dakota Stockgrowers. “What prevented it from becoming established in South Dakota, north of that line in central Kansas, is winter,” Miller said. “The fly is killed by freezing temperatures, the larvae which hatches in the ground, and becomes the fly, doesn’t hatch on frozen ground, things like that. So winter prevents it from being established. And that’s really our biggest tool.” Experts warn that while cold winters offer protection, a single imported animal could introduce the flesh-eating pest into local herds during warmer months, causing severe injury or death to livestock. More than 40 cases have been recorded during the current outbreak, which has been contained to Texas and New Mexico. See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it. Do you have a photo or video of a breaking news story? Send it to us here with a brief description. Copyright 2026 KOTA. All rights reserved.