The New World screwworm fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a destructive parasite of cattle and other warm-blooded animals. Female flies lay eggs in open wounds, and the larvae feed on living tissue, causing severe damage, secondary infections, weight loss, and potential death. In outbreak situations, daily inspections and treatments are required, placing a major burden on producers. 

Current control relies on wound sprays that combine insecticidal actives with violet dyes. The dye enables visual tracking of treated animals, which is critical in large or extensive herds. However, many available products rely on chemistries that raise concerns. Older organophosphate-based formulations, while effective, carry significant risks of toxicity to animals, humans, and the environment, and their use is increasingly restricted. Others contain gentian violet, which is under scrutiny due to residue and safety concerns in food-producing animals. These drawbacks highlight the need for safer approaches to wound treatment and screwworm control. 

Alternative actives are available for parasite control in cattle but have not been formulated into visible, spray-on treatments for screwworm wounds. Adapting these chemistries into safe, effective, and visibly trackable solutions could reduce reliance on problematic compounds, improve animal welfare, and strengthen the ability to respond effectively to screwworm infestations, whether in outbreak containment or routine herd management.