06/14/2026
Hi furfamily!
We are posting this information here, as well as sending an email with the same information.
This is simply intended for educational purposes to provide awareness and encourage preventative care.
As temperatures rise, so do the risks associated with parasites that can affect our pets. This summer, we want to remind pet parents to stay vigilant against ticks and to be aware of the New World Screwworm, a serious threat to animal health.
🕷️ Tick Season Is Here: One of the Worst in Recent Years
Ticks are more than just a nuisance—they can carry diseases that affect both pets and people. Experts are reporting increased tick activity in many areas, making prevention more important than ever.
Tick Prevention Tips:
✔ Keep your pet on a veterinarian-recommended flea and tick prevention program.
✔ Check your pet daily after spending time outdoors.
✔ Pay close attention to ears, neck, under collars, between toes, and around the tail.
✔ Keep grass trimmed and remove brush or leaf litter around your home.
✔ Contact your veterinarian if your pet develops lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes, or limping.
Source: CDC recommendations for tick prevention and pet safety.
🐛 What Is the New World Screwworm?
While cases of New World Screwworm have recently been reported in parts of Texas and New Mexico-
Circle Star Pet Resort has NOT had any known or suspected cases.
Again- This is simply intended for educational purposes to provide awareness and encourage preventative care.
The New World Screwworm (NWS) is a dangerous parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of animals. The CDC reports that screwworm flies are attracted to open wounds and body openings, where they lay eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into healthy tissue, causing painful and potentially serious infections.
How to Protect Your Pet
✔ Check your pet regularly for cuts, scrapes, hot spots, surgical incisions, or skin irritations.
✔ Keep all wounds clean, covered when appropriate, and monitored for signs of infection.
✔ Watch for unusual swelling, drainage, foul odors, excessive licking, or wounds that seem to worsen instead of heal.
✔ Maintain routine grooming and wellness checks.
✔ Protect pets from parasites such as ticks and other pests that can create wounds and increase the risk of infection.
Signs of Possible Screwworm Infestation
🐾 Painful wounds that continue to enlarge
🐾 Foul-smelling discharge
🐾 Visible maggots in a wound
🐾 Lethargy or decreased appetite
🐾 Excessive licking, scratching, or irritation around a wound
Important Reminder
The CDC and USDA emphasize that early detection is critical. If you notice an unusual wound, visible larvae, or a wound that is not healing properly, contact your veterinarian immediately. Untreated infestations can cause severe tissue damage and may become life-threatening.
Current Situation
While the overall risk remains low, federal agencies are actively monitoring recent New World Screwworm detections in animals in Texas and neighboring regions. Pet owners should remain vigilant and report concerning wounds to their veterinarian promptly.
Sources: CDC New World Screwworm resources and USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service.
The health and safety of every guest is our top priority and will contact pet parents immediately if any concerns arise.
Please ensure your pet is current on flea and tick prevention and notify us of any recent injuries or medical concerns prior to boarding or daycare.
Together, we can help keep your pets safe, healthy, and ready for summer adventures!
Thank you for trusting Circle Star Pet Resort with your furry family members,
-Your Circle Star Pet Resort family
