New World Screwworm Alert

Important information from our friends at Cornell University:

 

The United States Department of Agriculture recently reported the first animal cases of   New World Screwworm Infection   in the United States since the 1960s, when this parasitic fly was eradicated from the United States.

 

Thus far, 19 cases have been reported in cattle and sheep in Texas and New Mexico, and surveillance and eradication efforts are ongoing.

 

The New World Screwworm female lays eggs in open wounds, including some as small as small scratches and surgical sites. When these eggs hatch, the larvae feed upon living tissue in and around the wound. Infestation can cause significant health problems, and any warm-blooded animal, including humans, is susceptible to infection if wounds in the skin are present.

 

While no infestations in cats and dogs have been reported thus far, owners (particularly those in the southern US) should take precautions to protect their cats from this significant potential health risk. These precautions include checking animals regularly for wounds or injuries, monitoring for wounds that worsen quickly and are associated with a foul odor, keeping cats indoors to the extent possible, and using routine veterinary-approved year round flea and tick medications including NexGard Combo and Credelio Cat, both of which have FDA-authorized effectiveness against New World Screwworm larvae.

 

If you notice any maggots on your cat or dog, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately for consultation. Importantly, not all maggots are New World Screwworm larvae, but your veterinary team is best equipped to treat, identify, and provide guidance regarding the possibility of New World Screwworm infection in your cat.