Independence Equine & Small Animal Clinic

06/23/2026

This kitty needs a home!! ❤️

06/17/2026

We hope this can answer some questions we have had from clients about the New World Screwworm!

Symptoms of New World Screwworm:

• Larvae visible in wounds or orifices (e.g., nose, ears, genitalia, umbilicus)

• Egg masses in or around wounds
Wounds with serosanguinous discharge and an odor of decay

• Wounds that enlarge or deepen over time

•Behavioral signs of irritation, like head shaking or rubbing against trees or other structures

• Signs of pain, like depression, irritability, inappetence, or isolating from other animals or people

06/12/2026

Great reminder!! 🧨🎆

06/10/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DMVGDSZMq/
Foster needed! ❤🐾❤

Update: ADOPTED!🎉
🚨 Foster or adopter needed ASAP for Spartacus!🙏

🐕Spartacus is a 5-year-old Siberian Husky weighing around 61 pounds, and he is having such a hard time in the shelter.

This boy has severe kennel anxiety. The loud kennel environment is stressing him out so badly that he has torn up his nails and even his face trying to get out. It is honestly heartbreaking because outside of the kennel, he is such a sweet dog.💙

Spartacus is calm with people, knows sit and paw, and is gentle for his size. He loves just being around people and is just happy if you are there, he will happily just sit and watch you work. He is just struggling in a loud kennel, and for a Husky, that kind of stress makes total sense.

He needs a foster or forever home ASAP! Help us share for his sweeet boy! ❤️

📍 Spartacus is located at Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter in Gainesville, TX.
📞 Call us at 940-665-9800 or message us if you can help.
⏰ We are open 11 AM–5 PM, closed Thursday and Sunday.

06/09/2026

In response to the recent confirmation from the USDA of the presence of New World Screwworm in the United States, the AAEP has published New World Screwworm Infestation (Disease) Guidelines.

View the guidelines here: https://ow.ly/SNsM50Z92rh

06/05/2026

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

05/27/2026

✨Bringing all your questions to light with Dr. Garretson!

MRNA- Do our vaccinations contain it? ❤️

Rest assured we will keep your pets protected!