An emergency preparedness exercise
April 15–17, 2026 | Atlanta, Georgia
The re-emergence of the New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) poses a serious and growing threat to both human and animal health in North America. Recent developments underscore the need for timely, coordinated, and cross-sector action to prevent and mitigate its potential impact.
In response, the Entomological Society of America, in partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is convening a high-impact emergency preparedness exercise—New World Screwworm Abatement Through a Public Health Lens—taking place April 15–17, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.
This invite-only event will gather leading entomologists, epidemiologists, veterinarians, public health practitioners, and academic experts to collaboratively focus on the public health implications of screwworm infestations and to develop practical, science-driven strategies for preparedness, response, and risk communication. Participants will engage in focused discussions, share expertise across disciplines, and shape a coordinated national approach to this evolving threat.
Agenda
Please note that this agenda is subject to change and may be updated on this webpage at a later date.
| Wednesday, April 15 | |
| All Day | Arrival and Hotel Check-in |
| 4:30 – 6 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 6 – 8 p.m. | Educational Dinner |
| Thursday, April 16 | |
| 7 – 8 a.m. | Breakfast Registration Open |
| 8 – 8:30 a.m. | Welcome and Introduction Framing of the Challenge: Response to Human Cases of NWS |
| 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. | Exercise #1a: Travel-Associated NWS Case |
| 9:30 – 9:45 a.m. | Break |
| 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. | Exercise #1b: Locally-Acquired NWS Case |
| 10:45 – 11:45 a.m. | Exercise #1c: Case of NWS in Livestock |
| 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1 – 3 p.m. | 30-Minute Facilitated Discussions - Rotation 1: Tribal Communities - Rotation 2: NWS in Unhoused Population - Rotation 3: NWS in Companion/Working Animals - Rotation 4: Other "What If" Questions |
| 3 – 3:15 p.m. | Break |
| 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. | Read Out and Group Brainstorm |
| 4:15 – 4:30 p.m. | Recap and Hotwash |
| Friday, April 17 | |
| 8 – 9 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9 – 10 a.m. | Panel from Interagency Task Force |
| 10 – 11 a.m. | Synthesis and Next Steps |
| 11 a.m. | Adjournment |
Registration
Registration for this event is now closed. Through a CDC grant, all expenses, including registration, travel, hotel accommodation, and meals, will be covered by ESA. Accordingly, attendance at this conference is by invitation only. ESA and the CDC have identified key stakeholders in public health preparedness and response to New World screwworm. Registration information will be shared with invitees via email and should be completed by February 20.
For questions or concerns, contact screwworm@entsoc.org or reach out directly to ESA staff organizers: Stacie East, ESA Director of Grants and Ethics, and Lili McArdle, ESA Grants and Program Support Coordinator.
In Partnership with
