An outbreak of a rare fly larva in the Florida Keys has residents on guard and experts hoping to protect an already endangered deer population.

Tests taken from the Big Pine Key area in Monroe County earlier this month tested positive for New World Screwworms, a maggot that can enter warm blooded creatures – including humans and livestock. They typically enter through open wounds and live off human flesh, but can be treated if detected early.

The screwworm has not been widely present in the United States in over 50 years, being found mostly in South American and Caribbean nations.

Some of the deer population in the area has already been infected and suffered losses to the insect. The Florida Department of Agriculture has established a checkpoint at mile marker 106 along U.S. 1 where any animal traveling northbound is scanned for possible infection.

Representatives from both the state – including Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam – and Monroe County will hold a 1 PM press conference to discuss continuing efforts to combat the outbreak.

Anyone who suspects their pet may be infected or they themselves may have been infected is asked to call 1-800-HELP-FLA.