06/10/2026
🚨 NEW WORLD SCREWWORM ALERT 🚨
Pawsitivity Veterinary Wellness would like to help spread awareness about the New World Screwworm, which is caused by the larvae of the New World Screwworm Fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax), a blow fly in the family Diptera: Calliphoridae. This dangerous parasite can affect dogs, cats, livestock, wildlife, and even humans.
Unlike common maggots that feed on dead tissue, New World Screwworm larvae feed on LIVING tissue. Female screwworm flies are attracted to open wounds, where they lay eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into healthy tissue, causing painful and rapidly worsening wounds.
🐾 Signs to Watch For:
• Wounds that suddenly become larger or deeper
• Maggots visible in a wound
• Foul odor coming from a wound
• Excessive licking or chewing at an area
• Swelling, redness, or discharge
• Decreased appetite or lethargy
🛡️ How Can You Protect Your Pets?
The FDA recommends:
✔️ Keeping pets on veterinarian-recommended parasite prevention year-round.
✔️ Checking pets regularly for wounds, especially after spending time outdoors.
✔️ Keeping wounds clean and seeking prompt veterinary care.
✔️ Monitoring surgical incisions and other healing wounds closely.
✔️ Contacting your veterinarian immediately if you observe maggots in a wound.
The FDA has identified several medications that veterinarians may use in the treatment and management of New World Screwworm cases, including:
• NexGard Plus® - Dog
• NexGard COMBO® - Cats
• Credelio and Credelio Quattro® - Dog
• Credelio CAT®
💡 While no product can guarantee complete prevention of screwworm infestation, maintain year-round flea, tick, and parasite control and promptly treating wounds can help reduce risk.
🩺 If You Suspect a Screwworm Infestation
Do not attempt to treat it yourself. Contact your veterinarian immediately. Early treatment is critical to prevent severe tissue damage, infection, and potentially life-threatening complications.
⚠️ Early detection is critical. The sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome for your pet.
🤓 Interesting Fact!
The species name "hominivorax" literally means "man-eater," referring to the larvae's habit of feeding on living tissue rather than dead tissue. This is what makes the New World Screwworm so dangerous compared to typical maggots, which generally feed only on dead or decaying tissue.
At Pawsitivity Veterinary Wellness, we are closely monitoring updates regarding New World Screwworm and are available to help answer questions about parasite prevention, wound care, and protecting your pets.
🐾 Pawsitivity Veterinary Wellness
Keeping your pets healthy, happy, and protected.
