New World screwworm may sound like something from a horror movie, but it’s a real and potentially devastating threat to livestock, wildlife, pets, and even humans. In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan explores what healthcare professionals, veterinarians, public health officials, and agricultural partners need to know about recognizing and responding to this destructive parasite.

Hazardous waste expert Ashley Perry explains why proper handling and disposal of waste containing screwworm larvae or eggs is essential to protecting both public health and the environment. She shares practical guidance on safely containing, preserving, and disposing of specimens while navigating regulatory requirements.

In the second half of the episode, Shawn Gibbs, dean of the Texas A&M School of Public Health, discusses the broader public health and agricultural implications of screwworm infestations. From the historic U.S.-Mexico sterile fly eradication program to the ongoing challenges facing ranchers, veterinarians, and emergency responders, the conversation highlights the importance of surveillance, state extension services, and a One Health approach to preventing future outbreaks.

Whether you’re caring for patients, protecting livestock, or supporting public health preparedness, this episode delivers practical guidance for recognizing, reporting, and responding to New World screwworm with confidence.

Director, Hazardous Waste Services

Daniels Health

Ashley Perry is the Director of Hazardous Waste Services at Daniels Health, where she leads a team focused on developing and implementing strategic initiatives around hazardous waste management and environmental compliance. She is an experienced regulatory and sustainability professional with over 12 years of work in compliance, hazardous waste, and environmental health and safety. Ashley has worked in various industries including waste treatment and agriculture, with much of her experience focused on healthcare and how to make complex compliance topics easier to understand. Ashley holds a B.A. in Environmental Policy from Cleveland State University as well as an M.S. in Sustainability from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay.

Shawn G. Gibbs, PhD, MBA, CIH

Dean, School of Public Health Professor,

Environmental and Occupational Health

Texas A&M University

Shawn Gibbs, PhD, MBA, CIH, is Dean of the Texas A&M University School of Public Health. Shawn has over a hundred articles in industrial hygiene and environmental exposure assessment, focusing on disrupting transmission of highly infectious diseases. He was a Member of USEPA Board of Scientific Counselors for Homeland Security and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Medical Task Force on COVID-19. His research has helped to determine national policies, procedure, and best practices for response to Ebola virus disease, COVID-19, and other highly infectious diseases. Shawn has held roles in organizations, such as National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center, NIEHS funded worker training programs, Director of Research for the CDC/DHHS funded Nebraska Biocontainment Unit, and others. He is a national leader in the research, training, and policy related to national and international responses to highly infectious disease outbreaks.

Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA

Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).

The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.

Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems.

For more information visit NETEC on the web.

Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting.

NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert.

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