New World Screwworm in Granbury & Hood County
What local pet owners need to know
Important New World Screwworm is serious, but there is no need to panic. The best protection is early detection and staying current on flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Check your pets regularly for wounds and contact your veterinarian promptly if something does not look right.
New World Screwworm (NWS) is a parasitic fly that can affect dogs, cats, livestock, wildlife, birds, and even people. The flies lay eggs in wounds or small openings in the skin. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on living tissue, causing wounds to become larger, deeper, and potentially life-threatening if left untreated.
Although New World Screwworm is often associated with livestock, pets can also be affected. Even small wounds, scratches, insect bites, hot spots, surgical incisions, and skin infections can provide an opportunity for infestation.
As veterinarians serving Granbury, Acton, and the surrounding Hood County communities, we want pet owners to understand the risks, recognize the warning signs, and know where to find reliable information as the situation develops.
What Is New World Screwworm?
New World Screwworm is the larval stage of a fly called Cochliomyia hominivorax. Unlike many common maggots that feed on dead tissue, New World Screwworm larvae feed on living tissue, causing extensive damage as they burrow deeper into a wound.
Without prompt treatment, wounds can rapidly enlarge, become infected, and cause severe illness.
Which Pets Are Most at Risk?
Any pet with an open wound may be at risk, including:
- Pets recovering from surgery
- Pets with hot spots
- Bite wounds
- Skin infections
- Draining abscesses
- Chronic ear infections
- Outdoor pets
- Stray animals
Even very small wounds can attract egg-laying flies.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice:
- A foul-smelling wound
- Visible maggots or larvae
- Excessive licking or chewing at a wound
- Swelling or abnormal discharge
- A wound that appears to be getting larger instead of healing
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy or unusual behavior
What Should I Do If I Suspect New World Screwworm?
- Prevent your pet from licking the area.
- Keep the wound clean and protected.
- Take photographs if possible.
- Contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Do not attempt home treatment.
There are no safe home remedies for suspected New World Screwworm infestations. Your veterinarian can examine your pet and may submit specimens for official testing when needed.
No Need to Panic
New World Screwworm is a serious disease concern, but awareness and early detection are extremely effective tools.
The United States successfully eradicated New World Screwworm in the 1960s using the Sterile Insect Technique, and state and federal agencies continue to actively monitor and respond to new detections.
Pet owners are the first line of defense. Simply checking your pets regularly for wounds and monitoring healing incisions can make a tremendous difference.
How to Help Protect Your Pet
- Check wounds and surgical incisions daily.
- Follow all post-operative instructions.
- Use an e-collar when recommended.
- Treat skin infections promptly.
- Keep wounds clean and protected.
- Contact your veterinarian if a wound is not healing normally.
- Monitor outdoor pets closely.
Recent surgery? Check your pet’s incision every day. Call us if you notice swelling, drainage, odor, missing sutures, excessive licking, or anything unusual.
Trusted Sources for Current Updates
Because information may change as surveillance continues, we recommend using these trusted resources for the latest information:
Texas Screwworm Information Center
Current Texas updates, educational materials, maps, and reporting information.
USDA New World Screwworm Dashboard
Official USDA case updates and surveillance information.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Fact Sheet
A detailed educational resource about New World Screwworm biology, signs, reporting, and control.
Download the Texas A&M AgriLife fact sheet
Texas Veterinary Medical Association Pet Owner Flyer
A client-friendly handout explaining what Texas pet owners should watch for and what to do if they suspect New World Screwworm.
Download the TVMA pet owner flyer
When to Contact Acton Animal Hospital
Please contact us immediately if your pet has:
- A wound with a foul odor
- Visible maggots or larvae
- A wound that is worsening rather than healing
- Excessive drainage or swelling
- Pain associated with a wound
- Any concern for possible New World Screwworm exposure
The Bottom Line
New World Screwworm is a serious but preventable threat. The best protection is early detection and staying on year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.
Check your pet regularly for wounds, monitor surgical incisions carefully, and seek veterinary attention promptly if something does not look right.
Many products used to protect pets from fleas, ticks, and heartworms also help protect against other parasites and biting insects, making prevention an important part of your pet’s overall health plan.
Early detection and prevention save lives.
Sources include Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Texas Veterinary Medical Association, ScrewwormTX.org, and USDA APHIS.