Paws 4 Safety: An old threat making headlines again

BY KIM BRADLEY

If the New World screwworm has been around for years, pet owners are asking a reasonable question: Why is it called "New World" if there's nothing new about it? The name doesn't mean the parasite was recently discovered. Veterinarians and livestock producers have dealt with screwworms for generations. The term "New World" simply refers to the part of the world where this species originated—North and South America. There is also an "Old World" screwworm found in parts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Federal officials have confirmed recent U.S. animal cases in the current outbreak, including livestock and a dog in New Mexico near the Texas border. That news leaves pet owners like me wondering what this means for the animals in their own homes, yards, farms and barns. Despite its name, a screwworm is not actually a worm. It is the larval stage of a fly. Unlike ordinary maggots that feed mostly on dead tissue, New World screwworm larvae feed on living tissue. That is why veterinarians and agricultural officials take them so seriously. The fly does not create the original wound. It looks for an existing problem. 

Adult female flies are attracted to the odor, moisture, blood, drainage or irritated tissue associated with wounds and body openings. They may lay eggs in or near that area. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae begin feeding on living tissue, which can cause the wound to enlarge and worsen quickly. For pet owners, this matters because many everyday problems can create an opening. A tick bite. A hot spot. A scratch. A surgical incision. An ear infection. Skin rubbed raw from licking. Irritation around the nose, mouth, genitals, or another moist area can also become a concern. Dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, livestock, wildlife, small mammals and even birds can be affected if they have wounds or vulnerable tissue. Outdoor pets, barn cats, hunting dogs, livestock guardian dogs and animals recovering from surgery deserve extra attention, especially in areas where officials are monitoring cases or after travel.

People also wonder if humans are at risk. Human cases are uncommon, but they can occur. The important thing to understand is that you do not catch screwworms directly from your pet like a cold. The fly itself must lay eggs in a wound or body opening. Signs in pets may include excessive licking, a wound that suddenly worsens, swelling, pain, drainage, a foul odor, restlessness or a pet acting “off.” You may also notice your pet guarding one area of the body, shaking their head, avoiding touch or seeming uncomfortable for no obvious reason. Prevention is mostly about inspection and quick action. Check wounds daily. Keep surgical sites clean. Don’t ignore ear infections, hot spots, or skin irritation. Look between toes, under collars, around ears and beneath the coat, especially after hiking, camping, hunting, traveling, or time outdoors.

If you see a suspicious wound, maggots or an area that is worsening instead of healing, contact your veterinarian promptly. Prompt treatment matters. In suspected cases, veterinarians can clean and treat the wound, remove larvae, provide medication and help report concerns to the appropriate animal health officials. Awareness, not panic, is the goal. Sometimes the small wound we barely notice is exactly the one that deserves a second look. But paying attention to the little things is often what prevents bigger problems later. The good news is that treatment is available and recovery is possible when infections are caught early. Prompt veterinary care remains one of the best defenses.

Kim Bradley is the founder of Paws 4 Safety: a pet safety education initiative focused on helping pet owners prepare for emergencies and everyday situations involving their pets. For more information, visit the Pet Safety Learning Center at Paws4Safety.com or call 877- 829-1997, because moments matter.