Okanagan Equine Veterinary Services

06/11/2026

For those traveling to the USA

🚨 Animal Health Update 🚨

Following a confirmed finding of New World screwworm in a calf in Texas, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced June 8 that it will implement temporary import restrictions on livestock, including horses, from affected areas.
❗ Animals that originate from or were present in the State of Texas within 21 days prior to border crossing will not be accepted into Canada. Several U.S. states have also taken precautionary actions to mitigate the risk of spread. The CFIA will continue to work closely with U.S. counterparts to assess developments and adjust measures as needed.

🦠 About New World screwworm
-A parasitic fly whose larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of a living animal
-Can cause serious, often deadly damage
-Can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, occasionally birds, and in rare cases, people
-Not found in Canada and cannot survive winter temperatures in Canada
-Prefers hot, humid environments with air temperatures between 25–30°C
-Endemic to South America and Caribbean countries; cases have also been reported in Mexico

✅ Canada does not allow the importation of cattle, bison, sheep, goats, cervids, and swine from Mexico, and stringent import conditions are in place for import of horses from Mexico to prevent introduction of animal disease into Canada

🔍 What to watch for
Animal owners and veterinarians should be on the lookout for signs of screwworm infestations in livestock, including:

-Wounds that worsen over time
-Discharge or a foul odour

For Canadians travelling to Texas with their companion pets, they are encouraged to remain vigilant and inspect their pets regularly for any signs.

📢 In Canada, New World screwworm is an immediately notifiable disease under the Health of Animals Act. Owners should contact their veterinarian if they suspect signs, as identification can only be confirmed through laboratory testing. Laboratories are required to notify the CFIA of suspected or confirmed cases.

06/11/2026

06/11/2026

USDA confirmed a new case of new world screwworm in a Texas calf and expanded response efforts while urging animal owners to report suspected infestations.

06/11/2026

With temperatures projected to soon reach triple digits for the first time this year, here are some important tips to prevent heat-related problems in horses:

1. Know the signs of fatigue and overheating.
2. Keep your horse hydrated.
3. Keep a supply of water available for your horse to drink.
4. Provide salt and electrolytes as needed.
5. Limit exertion during peak heat.
6. Optimize ventilation in the trailer.
7. Plan ahead for trailering.
8. Provide shade.
9. Ensure good air circulation in barns.
10. To lower body temperature, hose off your horse or pour a bucket of water over your horse.

Mythbusters:
* It is a myth that if a hot horse drinks water, it will experience colic or other medical problems.
*Research has shown that sweat scraping, or removing water from the horse’s coat, is not necessary. Failing to remove excess water will not make your horse any hotter or have detrimental effects on health.

Image description: Close up of bay horse with green and black halter getting a bath with blue sky and green trees in the background.

06/11/2026

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the detection of a New World screwworm (NWS) in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas. NWS is a serious pest that affects livestock, pets, wildlife, and less commonly, people and birds. NWS larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of living animals, causing serious damage to livestock.

USDA urges residents in the area to check their pets and livestock for signs of NWS. Look for draining or enlarging wounds and signs of discomfort. Also look for screwworm larvae and eggs in or around body openings, such as the nose, ears, and genitalia. If you suspect your animal is infected with screwworm, contact your state animal health official or USDA area veterinarian in charge immediately.

06/07/2026

The one thing that unites us is horses. We choose to focus on that and as much positive as possible.