New World screwworm fly An adult male New World screwworm fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax), one of some 200 million sterilized males released to control a screwworm outbreak in the Florida Keys in 2016. (more) Do Blow Flies Spread Disease? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/Do-Blow-Flies-Spread-Disease Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep 5, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Blow flies (family Calliphoridae) can spread disease, mainly through mechanical transmission rather than acting as true biological vectors. They often land on decaying matter, feces, and animal carcasses, causing them to pick up bacteria, viruses, and parasites on their bodies. When they then land on food, wounds, or surfaces, they may deposit these pathogens. This makes them potential carriers of such organisms as E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella, which are causes of gastrointestinal illness in humans. Certain blow fly species can also cause myiasis, an infestation in which fly larvae develop in living tissue, leading to serious infections in humans ...(100 of 259 words)

　　Continue reading with Britannica Premium The trusted destination for facts and information 7-Day Free Trial, No Ads, Unlimited Access Subscribe Today