A calf near the US-Mexico border marked the first US case of a growing outbreak that is worrying cattle farmers.
Earthworms are a vital part of our ecosystem but little is known about them in Northern Ireland.
The parasites mainly infest cattle but there have also been dozens of cases involving people.
New World screwworm myiasis was found in a patient who returned to the US from El Salvador, authorities say.
University of Reading researchers found the worms react to brain medicines in a similar way to mice.
The pill is a combination of two existing anti-parasitic drugs that, used together, appear more effective.
An academic says a drop in earthworms could have a detrimental effect on other wildlife and animals.
Teams of up to four people will be given 30 minutes to charm as many worms as possible.
The Soil Association is urging the public to become citizen scientists to address falling worm numbers.
