noun
- the larvae of certain flies that feed on living tissue of warm-blooded animals, causing serious wounds and infections
Usage: veterinary; agricultural
Examples
- Screwworms were a major threat to livestock in the southern United States.
- The veterinarian treated the cattle for screwworm infestation.
- Screwworms can cause severe damage to wounds in animals.
- The eradication program successfully eliminated screwworms from North America.
- Ranchers must watch for signs of screwworm infection in their herds.
- The female fly lays eggs that develop into screwworms in open wounds.