You may have seen the news this week. New World Screwworm has been confirmed in a dog in Cochise County, which is right next door to us.
We know you’ll have questions, so we’ve pulled together the most relevant information to help you protect your animals.
What is it?
New World screwworm is a parasitic fly. The female lays her eggs in open wounds on animals (or people) and the eggs hatch into maggots. Most maggots only feed on dead tissue, which is usually not a problem. New World screwworm maggots are different. They feed on living tissue, which is why this parasite is such a serious concern. Left untreated, an infestation can make an animal very sick.
Which animals can get it?
Any warm-blooded animal. Horses, cattle, goats, sheep, dogs, cats, and wildlife can all be affected. The Cochise County case was a dog, so this is not just a barn and pasture issue.
Is it contagious?
No. It doesn’t pass from animal to animal. The fly needs an open wound, which means you have real control.
Should we be worried?
We should take it seriously, but there is no need to panic. A few simple habits make a big difference.
1. Keep flies away from wounds.
This is the big one. Our weather hasn’t been cold enough to slow the flies down, so fly control matters more than ever right now. Keep up with fly sheets, fly masks, and sprays, and keep pens and stalls clean. Cut down on manure and standing moisture where flies love to gather.
2. Check your animals every day.
Look over your horses and livestock for cuts, scrapes, and sores. Check your dogs and cats too, especially after time outdoors. Even small wounds deserve a quick look and prompt care.
3. Treat wounds right away.
Clean it. Cover it if you can. Then apply a product labeled for screwworm. The FDA has given emergency approval to a number of these products, and many are sold over the counter at feed stores and online. Always follow the label for your type of animal. You can see the full list here:
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health/animal-drugs-new-world-screwworm
4. Call us sooner rather than later.
If a wound looks odd, smells bad, is swelling, or just isn’t healing the way it should, don’t wait and hope. Early treatment is the secret sauce. There are good treatments available, and we have them in stock at Adobe Veterinary Center.
5. Keep dogs and cats on monthly parasite preventatives.
This is one of the easiest ways to protect them, and it matters even more now. Some of the products we carry have FDA emergency authorization for screwworm in dogs and cats. Not sure if your pet is current? Call us and we’ll check.
A quick note about travel.
Movement rules for animals are already in place, and they can change quickly as new cases are confirmed. That includes dogs and cats, and travel into other states and Mexico. If you plan to move any animal, call us before you go so we can make sure you have what you need.
We have been caring for Southern Arizona animals for a long time, and we’re watching this one closely. You do the daily checks and fight the flies. We’ll be right here with the treatments and the answers.
Questions? Call us at (520) 546-8387, shoot us a message through pet desk, or reply to this email.
Take care of your animals (and yourselves),
Your Pet’s Health Care Team
Adobe Veterinary Center
Tucson, Arizona
