New World screwworm is back on Texans’ radar after animal health officials confirmed a case in South Texas in early June 2026. While the largest risk for this parasite is generally in cattle and other livestock, New World Screwworm can also affect dogs, cats, people, and other warm-blooded animals. For pet families it’s important to: check wounds promptly, keep your pet on flea and tick prevention medication, know the warning signs, and contact a veterinarian quickly if something looks wrong.
What Is New World Screwworm?
New World screwworm is the larval stage of a fly that lays eggs in open wounds, surgical sites, or natural body openings. After the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on living tissue rather than dead tissue, which makes these infestations especially dangerous. Without fast treatment, they can cause severe pain, deep tissue damage, secondary infection, and in some cases become life-threatening.
Why This Matters for Texas Pet Families Right Now
State and federal agencies have confirmed New World Screwworm in Texas, including mostly livestock but at least one case in a pet dog as of the publication of this post. Officials have emphasized that this is a serious animal health issue, and that early detection and rapid reporting are critical. Even if you live outside the affected areas, staying alert matters because pets with wounds, recent surgeries, or time spent outdoors may be more vulnerable if the pest spreads.
Which Pets Are Most at Risk?
Any warm-blooded animal can be affected, including dogs and cats. Risk is higher for pets that have open cuts, bite wounds, draining skin infections, recent surgical incisions, untreated hot spots, or irritated areas around the ears, nose, mouth, genitals, or anus. Outdoor pets, stray animals, hunting dogs, and animals recovering from injury may need especially close monitoring.
Some flea and tick preventives (such as Credelio and Nexgard), are approved and effective for the treatment of New World Screwworm, so keeping your pet on monthly prevention may reduce their risk of infection.
Warning Signs to Watch For
- A wound that suddenly gets larger, wetter, or more painful instead of healing
- A foul odor coming from a wound or irritated area
- Visible larvae or movement in the wound
- Excessive licking, scratching, head shaking, or signs of discomfort
- Fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or unusual agitation
How to Help Protect Your Pets
- Check your pets daily for cuts, scrapes, swelling, or areas of moist skin irritation.
- Keep all wounds clean, covered when appropriate, and under veterinary supervision if they are deep, draining, or slow to heal.
- Follow aftercare instructions carefully after surgery, spay or neuter procedures, or other medical treatment.
- Use veterinarian-recommended parasite prevention products.
- Limit exposure to conditions that attract flies, such as soiled bedding, unmanaged waste, and prolonged outdoor recovery after an injury.
- Pay extra attention to puppies, kittens, senior pets, and animals with chronic wounds or limited mobility.
What to Do If You Suspect New World Screwworm
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see larvae in a wound or have strong reason to suspect your pet may have an infestation… Time matters. Do not delay care while you wait to see if it improves. Keep your pet from licking or scratching the area while awaiting your appointment. If your vet believes your pet has New World Screwworm, they will have to report it to the state veterinarian. From there, you will get further instructions on isolation and treatment to avoid spreading it to other animals.
New World Screwworm is a serious but manageable threat when it is recognized early. For Texas pet owners, the best response is vigilance: inspect wounds, seek prompt veterinary care, and stay aware of guidance from local animal health authorities. A quick response can protect your pet and help limit the spread of this destructive parasite.
Visit our services page to learn more about low-cost veterinary care including preventative parasite medications for your cats or dogs through Emancipet’s low-cost pet clinics.
