06/08/2026
Hey CAC family, you’ve probably seen some headlines about New World screwworm lately, so I wanted to share a quick, practical update.
First, don’t panic. We are NOT yet seeing widespread cases in our area. However, this is a parasite that veterinarians are paying close attention to because it can affect warm-blooded animals, including dogs and cats.
Unlike typical maggots (gross, I know)that feed on dead tissue, New World screwworm larvae can invade living tissue, causing painful wounds that can become serious very quickly.
This is especially worth talking about right now because we’re entering what many of us in the vet med world call “hot spot season.” The combination of heat, humidity, allergies, and fleas means we’re seeing more acute moist dermatitis (hot spots), and those moist, irritated skin lesions are exactly the kind of wounds that should be addressed promptly.
The good news? There are things pet owners can do right now:
✅ Keep your pets on their recommended parasite preventatives.
✅ Stay on top of flea control and treat hot spots early before they become large, open skin lesions.
✅ Check pets regularly for wounds, especially after hunting, hiking, boarding, or outdoor adventures.
✅ Seek veterinary care promptly for any wound that isn’t healing normally or seems unusually painful.
✅ If you’re planning to travel internationally with your pet, especially to or through Mexico, make sure you understand the current import and export requirements before you go. (I believe it’s currently closed for export and import, but this is an evolving situation).
At Cantrell Animal Clinic, we carry Credelio and Credelio Quattro (which have been approved to treat Scew Worm infestations), and we’re happy to discuss which parasite prevention plan is best for your pet.
This isn’t a reason to be alarmed, but it is a good reminder that staying up-to-date on preventatives, controlling fleas, and treating wounds early can make a big difference.
As always, if you have questions, give us a call. We’d much rather answer questions now than deal with a preventable problem later. ❤️🐾
