Pet owners in southern and southwestern Texas and southeastern New Mexico are being warned to protect their animals from the New World screwworm fly. The parasite, which is the larvae of the New World screwworm fly, can infest any mammal, including dogs, cats, and occasionally humans.

What is the New World Screwworm Fly?

The New World screwworm fly is a tropical species that was largely eradicated from the U.S. over 50 years ago. However, it has recently reappeared in cattle in the U.S. and has been confirmed in over 30 cases in Texas and New Mexico, including two cases in dogs.

The fly’s larvae can hatch and breed in any mammal, and the problem develops when a female fly lays its eggs in open wounds and mucus. After the eggs hatch, the larvae feed for about a week before maturing, dropping to the ground, and continuing to develop into an adult fly.

Signs of Infestation

Animal health experts say pet owners should watch their animals closely and examine them for wounds, cuts, and bites regularly. Signs of infestation include restlessness, a foul smell, and maggots or movement in a wound. If any of these signs are present, pet owners should take their animal to a veterinarian immediately.

Veterinarians can treat infestations, and animals can recover if pet owners contact them quickly. Treatment may include antibiotics, and flea and tick medications can also help prevent infestations.

Prevention Efforts

State and U.S. Department of Agriculture officials are working to eradicate the fly again by breeding sterile male flies and releasing them into the wild. This method was successful in the past and is expected to help reduce the population of the New World screwworm fly.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.