KANSAS CITY, Mo. — An investigation is underway after recent rumors about New World screwworm being detected in Missouri, according to the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA).

The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Rural Crimes Investigative Unit (RCIU) and the Livestock and Farm Protection Task Force said they are aware of a false statement made last week regarding New World screwworm in the state.

According to the USDA, New World screwworm is a devastating pest that can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, occasionally birds – and in rare cases, people; when New World screwworm fly larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of a living animal, they cause serious, often deadly damage to the animal.

The two groups, along with Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, are currently investigati

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