06/09/2026
Good, sensible read...is it a concern? Yes. Is it a virus? No. Is it a disease? No. Do you need to go to great lengths and exotic measures to protect your animals? No. Basic animal husbandry will do wonders. Livestock is a bit of a different management, but while dogs and cats can get screw worm infestations, due diligence can keep your pet safe.
Watching Out for New World Screwworm: Simple Precautions for Your Pets
Since my last post on New World screwworm, I’ve received a lot of inquiries about what pet owners should actually be doing to protect their dogs and cats. The good news is that there is no reason to panic. The same common-sense practices we use every day to keep our animals healthy are also our best defense against screwworm infestations.
New World screwworm flies are attracted to wounds and irritated tissue. That means one of the most important things pet owners can do is simply keep a close eye on their animals. Check dogs and cats regularly for cuts, scrapes, hot spots, surgical incisions, tick bites, ear irritation, or any wound that doesn’t seem to be healing normally. Early detection is always your best friend when it comes to any health issue.
If your pet does have a wound, keep it clean and monitor it closely until it is fully healed. Any wound that suddenly becomes larger, develops a foul odor, drains excessively, or appears abnormal should be evaluated by your veterinarian.
It is also a good idea to speak with your veterinarian about appropriate flea, tick, and parasite prevention for your pets. Several veterinary parasite-control products have been shown to be useful in the prevention or treatment of screwworm infestations, and your veterinarian can help determine what is most appropriate for your individual animals and circumstances.
Because the adult screwworm is a fly, routine fly control remains an important part of prevention. Good sanitation practices around kennels, barns, and other animal housing areas help reduce fly populations and lower the risk of exposure.
For those who travel with their animals, particularly to or from areas where New World screwworm has been detected, it is worth taking a few extra minutes to thoroughly inspect pets before leaving and again when returning home. A small wound that might otherwise go unnoticed can become a much bigger problem if left untreated.
When it all shakes out, this comes down to the same things responsible pet owners already do: keep wounds clean, stay on top of parasite prevention, use reasonable fly control, and pay attention to your animals. New World screwworm is something to take seriously, but it’s not something to panic over.
Sources
USDA APHIS – New World Screwworm Information�https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cattle/ticks/screwworm
USDA APHIS – Stop Screwworm Information Center�https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Companion Animal Care and New World Screwworm�https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/companion-animal-care-nws/
Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine – Protecting Pets from New World Screwworm�https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/
CDC – New World Screwworm Information�https://www.cdc.gov/new-world-screwworm/
Disclaimer
This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet’s health, parasite prevention program, or any suspected New World screwworm infestation.
© Thistle Ridge Terriers 2026. This article may be shared in its entirety with credit retained to Thistle Ridge Terriers.
