TUCSON, Ariz. — The University of Arizona is supporting a nationwide effort to stop the spread of a dangerous, flesh-eating parasite.

The Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Tucson has been tapped as one of three sites in the U.S. to help the Department of Agriculture screen for New World screwworm — a fly whose larvae burrow into wounds and can infect livestock, wildlife, pets and even people.

"In addition to providing high-quality diagnostic services, our lab conducts surveillance of important animal diseases that can cause significant damage to the economy," said Dr. Yan Zhang, lab director. "We also investigate zoonotic pathogens and diseases – which is defined as those that infect both humans and animals. These are the kinds of illnesses that, if not treated, can cause si

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