06/09/2026
Hello everyone! We know that there has been a lot of news about New World Screwworm lately. So far, we haven't had any cases in TN, but I wouldn't be surprised if we do at some point. The screwworms are transmitted by a species of blowfly that will lay eggs in an open wound.
Really, there are a couple of take home messages:
1. The modern flea and tick medications such as Simparica, Simparica Trio, Nexgard, Credellio, and Bravecto are approved to treat screwworm infections and they should also prevent them
2. If your pet has an open wound, keep the wound covered, keep your pet inside, and keep them on an oral flea/tick medication listed above
Here is a good article with more info: New World Screwworms in Dogs and Cats - Veterinary Partner - VIN
New World screwworms are flesh-eating larvae (maggots) of the blowfly, Cochliomyia hominivorax.
