06/09/2026
⚠️ Traveling with Your Dog to Texas, New Mexico, or Other Southwestern States? Read This First! ⚠️
If you or someone you know is planning to travel with their dog to states such as **Texas**, **New Mexico**, or neighboring areas where concerns about the **New World Screwworm** have increased, we recommend taking a few important precautions before your trip.
What is New World Screwworm?
New World Screwworm is not a typical maggot. Unlike most fly larvae that feed on dead tissue, screwworm larvae invade and feed on **living tissue**. Adult flies are attracted to wounds, surgical incisions, tick bite sites, hot spots, and even very small skin injuries. Once eggs are deposited, the larvae hatch and burrow into the tissue, causing painful and potentially severe wounds.
Infestations can rapidly worsen and may require intensive veterinary treatment. While the United States eradicated New World Screwworm decades ago, recent confirmed detections in parts of North America have renewed concerns about preventing its spread.
Before You Travel
**Heartworm/Tick-Borne Disease Antigen Testing Recommended**
We strongly recommend scheduling a Heartworm/Tick-Borne Disease Antigen Test (Heartworm, Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma screening) before travel. This helps ensure your pet is healthy before entering areas where exposure to parasites and vector-borne diseases may be increased.
Parasite Prevention Matters
We also recommend starting **Credelio Quattro®** before arriving in the destination state and continuing it throughout your visit as directed by your veterinarian.
Credelio Quattro provides protection against:
* Heartworm disease
* Fleas
* Ticks (including ticks that may transmit Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma)
* Intestinal parasites
Additional Travel Tips
* Check your pet daily for wounds, cuts, or skin irritation.
* Seek veterinary attention promptly for any non-healing wound or unusual swelling.
* Keep pets on effective parasite prevention year-round.
* Avoid delaying treatment of skin infections, hot spots, or injuries while traveling.
Traveling Soon?
If your pet will be visiting Texas, New Mexico, or surrounding regions, contact your veterinarian before departure to discuss appropriate testing and preventive care.
A little preparation before your trip can help keep your pet safe and healthy while you enjoy your travels.
— The Team at Eden Veterinary Clinic