06/16/2026
🚨 Important Information for Pet Owners: New World Screwworm (NWS) 🚨
We’ve been receiving many calls asking if there is a vaccine available for New World Screwworm. At this time, there is NO vaccine available for dogs, cats, livestock, or people.
New World Screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae (maggots) feed on living tissue, usually after flies lay eggs in an open wound or body opening. It can affect livestock, wildlife, pets, and rarely humans.
The parasite was eradicated from the United States decades ago, but recent confirmed cases have been identified in Texas and New Mexico in 2026.
🐾 What pet owners should know:
• The overall risk for most pets in Arizona remains LOW at this time.
• Pets with open wounds, recent surgeries, skin infections, hot spots, ear infections, draining tracts, or outdoor injuries are at greater risk if exposed in affected areas.
• Signs may include:
A wound that suddenly worsens
Foul odor
Visible maggots
Swelling, pain, discharge
Lethargy or decreased appetite
✈️ Travel Advisory
If traveling with pets to or through affected regions (currently parts of Texas, New Mexico, Mexico, Central America, and some Caribbean/South American regions), please:
• Avoid travel with pets that have open wounds or recent surgical sites
• Keep pets on year-round veterinary-approved parasite prevention
• Check pets carefully for wounds after outdoor activity
• Seek veterinary care immediately for any suspicious lesion or maggot infestation
There are currently FDA emergency authorizations for certain medications used to TREAT infestations, but these are NOT vaccines and are not a guarantee of prevention.
Helpful resources for accurate updates and travel information:
• CDC New World Screwworm Information
• USDA Screwworm Updates & Current Status
• FDA Information for Veterinarians & Pet Owners
• Screwworm.gov Official Updates
As always, if you notice a suspicious wound or maggots on your pet, contact your veterinarian promptly. Early detection and treatment are critical.
