Rare Parasite That Can Eat Pets Alive Resurfaces in Florida

(FOX NEWS) - For the first time in 30 years, authorities in the Florida Keys say there has been a resurgence of the New World screwworm, a parasite the size of a housefly that can eat small animals alive, the Associated Press reported.

The USDA said on September 30 that the screwworm had been killing species of a miniature deer only found in the Keys.

Key deer--about the size of a dog and number about 1,000 in the area--have been found to be infected by the worm.

Decades ago the screwworm cost the agriculture industry millions of dollars after they began feeding off and killing livestock. The screwworm can also kill small pets like dogs.

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