Fredericksburg Equine & Small Animal Veterinary Services

06/08/2026

🚨 New World Screwworm Confirmed in Gillespie County 🚨

The USDA has confirmed a case of New World Screwworm in a goat in Gillespie County. New World Screwworm is a serious parasite whose larvae feed on living tissue, affecting livestock, pets, wildlife, and, in rare cases, people.

Horse owners and pet owners should be especially vigilant. If you notice a suspicious wound, contact us immediately. Early detection and treatment are critical.

For dogs and cats, there is some good news: pets receiving Bravecto® or Credelio® may help protect against New World Screwworm infestations. Even so, pet owners should continue to monitor for wounds and seek veterinary care if concerns arise.

Up-to-date information can be found at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm

For more information on screwworm and pets, visit:
https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ENTO-PU-256-companion-animal-care.pdf

For more information on screwworm and horses, visit:
https://aaep.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AAEPNWSDiseaseGuidelines2026.pdf

06/04/2026

Update on New World Screwworm in Texas: Horse owners should closely monitor their animals for any wounds, as these flies can lay eggs in even small injuries. Early detection and prompt veterinary care are critical to preventing serious tissue damage. Please review the following information from the AAEP and contact us if you have concerns.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has provided an important update on New World Screwworm which has been detected in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas. Read the full press release here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-confirms-presence-new-world-screwworm-united-states

General information about New World Screwworm (NWS) can be found in the text below and in the attached infographic.

The adult screwworm fly is about the size of a common housefly (or slightly larger), with orange eyes, a metallic blue or green body, and three dark stripes along its back. It gets its name from the behavior of its larvae (maggots) as they burrow (screw) into the wound, feeding as they go. The maggots (larvae) cause extensive damage by tearing at the hosts’ tissue with sharp mouth hooks. The wound can quickly become enlarged and deeper as more maggots hatch and feed on living tissue.

Because they feed on live flesh, NWS maggots may burrow deep into wounds or openings, while other species of maggots may appear around the outer surface of the wound. In addition, even the smallest wounds have the potential to attract flies, so it is imperative that you keep a close eye on your animals for any signs of wounds.

Lastly, NWS infestations are a reportable disease! Immediately report any suspicious wounds, maggots, or infestations to a local accredited veterinarian, your State Animal Health Official, or a USDA veterinarian.

For more information, reference this resource from the U.S. Department of Agriculture: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm

05/22/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, our clinic will be closed as we honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Emergency veterinary services will be available from 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM by calling 830-990-9052.

05/20/2026

Happy National Rescue Dog Day! We’re celebrating the amazing pets who’ve found their forever homes. Share a photo or story of your adopted dog—we’d love to see them!

05/09/2026

Happy National Dog Mom Day to all the amazing dog moms out there, and a special shoutout to the outstanding dog moms on our staff! We love seeing the devotion you show your dogs reflected in the care you give our patients!

05/09/2026

We have been made aware that someone is impersonating us on Facebook and fraudulently selling T-shirts using our name and/or images.

05/06/2026

Big news! We now offer a new way to protect your dog from fleas and ticks all year long - BRAVECTO® QUANTUM gives 12 months of protection in just 1 dose. Call or text 830-990-9052 to learn more.

04/29/2026

Prescription medication is often the first line of treatment for itchy dogs. Call or text 830-990-9052 to ask us about Numelvi™ (atinvicitinib tablets) for dogs – it acts fast to relieve itch.

04/15/2026

UPDATE: All spots are now filled for this Saturday, but we plan to host future trainings in the future!

04/13/2026

🎓🐴 We have another Student Spotlight!!🐴🎓

We enjoyed having Emalee Hoffmann a Texas Tech equine vet student spend her clinical rotation with us here at FESAVS! From early mornings to long days in the field, she jumped right in and gained hands-on experience in all aspects of equine medicine.
Her dedication, positive attitude, and passion for horses did not go unnoticed—we’re excited to see all the great things she’ll accomplish as she graduates veterinary school this year! 👩‍⚕️✨
Wishing you the very best in your next chapter—congrats, Doctor! 🎉