TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) - The University of Arizona is joining a national effort to combat the New World screwworm outbreak, as the Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is now one of three sites in the country working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to screen for the pest.

The laboratory, part of the College of Veterinary Medicine and a member of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, conducts diagnostic testing in order to manage and detect animal diseases, according to a news release .

"In addition to providing high-quality diagnostic services, our lab conducts surveillance of important animal diseases that can cause significant damage to the economy," said Dr. Yan Zhang, lab director.

The New World screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax, is a fly endemic to parts of th

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