06/22/2026
🪰 New World Screwworm Update 🐴
You may have seen recent reports regarding New World Screwworm (NWS) following a confirmed case in Texas and New Mexico. NWS is a parasitic fly whose larvae can infest open wounds and feed on living tissue, affecting livestock, horses, pets, wildlife, and, in rare cases, people.
While this is a significant animal health issue, it's important to keep the current situation in perspective.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has implemented preventative measures, including temporary import restrictions on certain animals from affected regions, including horses, to help reduce the risk of NWS entering Canada.
At this time, New World Screwworm is not present in Canada, and there is no cause for alarm. Robust surveillance, prevention, and control programs are in place across North America, and Canadian animal health authorities continue to closely monitor the situation.
As always, routine wound care is an essential part of horse health. If your horse has a wound that is not healing as expected, develops excessive discharge, unusual swelling, or contains larvae (maggots), please contact your veterinarian promptly.
We will continue to monitor updates from the CFIA and share any important developments with our clients and equine community.
🐴💙 Stay informed, stay vigilant, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns.
For more information click the following link: https://aaep.org/guidelines-resources/new-world-screwworm/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSU-PRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETJLYkp6WXlFaFVMdzNzN3BFc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvZkkQLpr8nMWfxg4YSUC0FZyHusu8dIUqiJdOBfL-9WzRHXf_gRt4OE9cFQ_aem_hvhNXBy8Xk4TviHfCvCWVg
The AAEP Infectious Disease Committee has prepared this overview of currently available prevention and treatment options that equine veterinarians may consider for New World Screwworm (NWS) in horses. It is intended as a practical reference to support clinical decision-making during preparedness pla...