WYOMING — Governor Mark Gordon hosted an impromptu panel discussion earlier this week with state veterinarians and the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) to initiate communication efforts relating to the New World screwworm.

A statement from Gordon’s office says that there are no reported outbreaks of the flesh-eating New World screwworm in the U.S. outside of previously confirmed cases in Texas and New Mexico. Gordon called the session to increase lines of communication about the screwworm ahead of Wyoming’s peak summer travel, backcountry and rodeo season. Included in the panel were State Veterinarian Dr. Hallie Hasel, State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Allen, and WDH Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Emily Curren.

“There are no reported cases in Wyoming; however, Texas and New Mexico are tracking instances, so it is important to keep all citizens informed — including pet owners, campers, rodeo athletes, and sportsmen, in addition to our ag, ranching and wildlife communities.” Gordon said in the statement. “I’m satisfied with the extensive outreach regarding NWS that has been ongoing to our ag, livestock, and wildlife professionals.”

Gordon and the panelists fielded questions and heard commentary from various professionals, including Wyoming Department of Agriculture Director Doug Miyamoto, Director of Wyoming Game and Fish Department Angi Bruce, and Wyoming Livestock Board Director Steven True.

New World screwworm is a deadly, flesh-eating parasite that was previously eradicated in the United States and hasn’t been seen in Texas since 1966. An outbreak of the insects in Panama spurred a state of emergency in 2023, and a case of the screwworm was confirmed in southern Mexico in 2024. The female flies lay their eggs in open wounds of mammals, and the livestock industry is fearful of potential impacts on cattle and beef production.

Below are the key takeaways from the discussion, per Gordon’s statement.

• There are no reported outbreaks of New World screwworm in Wyoming.
• New World screwworms feed on and lay eggs in open wounds of warm-blooded animals, including humans.
• Transmission to humans is very rare.
• New World screwworm is not a food safety issue.
• Livestock and domesticated animals should be checked regularly — daily if possible.
• Contact a veterinarian or medical doctor if open wounds are painful and persistent.
• Keeping fly populations under control at rodeo events protects animals and people.
• Protocols for safe animal transport are currently in place in Wyoming.
• Wildlife and game populations are being monitored for early indicators of fly strikes.

SAN FRANCISCO – An 8-year veteran of the San Francisco Police Department received a hero’s sendoff Thursday afternoon as she was discharged from San Francisco General Hospital, less than three weeks after surviving a life-threatening shooting in the line of duty.

First time opening up to the public

The backstory:

Officer Brittney Taylor was greeted by a formation of first responders clapping to show their appreciation and respect as she emerged from the hospital in a wheelchair. 

The discharge marks the first time Taylor has spoken publicly since the violent encounter on the night of May 31. According to newly released police body-camera footage, Taylor was shot in the upper leg and foot by a robbery suspect following a pursuit that ended in San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood.

“I almost lost my life,” Taylor said. “It’s the little things you take for granted. Holy crap, you get to sit back and look at the big picture.”

When asked if she felt any fear during the incident, Taylor admitted she did that night, though not in the moments leading up to it. 

“I knew what could happen,” she said, describing the entire ordeal as an eye-opener. “It is difficult to think about it. You replay it, and it absolutely causes me to lose sleep.”

Credit where credit is due

Dig deeper:

Taylor credited the hospital’s medical team, specifically trauma surgeon Dr. Andre Campbell, with saving her life. 

However, Dr. Campbell emphasized that the quick actions of Taylor’s fellow officers at the scene played a critical role in her survival.

Instead of waiting for an ambulance, officers recognized the severity of her injuries, placed her into a patrol car, and rushed her directly to the hospital. 

“Which was great,” Dr. Campbell said.

Taylor also highlighted the deep bond shared within her “close-knit police family.” 

A squad of female officers and their commanding sergeant have maintained a constant presence at the hospital to offer continuous support throughout her stay.

The native San Franciscan expressed that she has no regrets and hopes her experience will encourage other officers to do their best.

“I love the city,” Taylor said. “I don’t like it when people come to my city and destroy it or hurt the citizens here. That takes a toll on me. I’m going to do something about it.”

The road to recovery

What’s next:

When asked how she would respond to people calling her a hero, Taylor remained humble. 

“It’s my job. I was doing my job that night. I’m glad to be put in that position of being a hero.”

Following her release, Taylor received a full police escort as she headed home. 

While she notes that her full recovery could take anywhere from six months to a year, she remains resolute about her future.

“You gotta let me put my uniform back on and get back out there,” Taylor said, adding that she has no hesitation about continuing her career. “Honestly, no. I got to slow it down. I have time now.”