06/04/2026
🚨 Screwworm Alert (Texas) 🚨
-A flesh‑eating parasite (New World screwworm) was recently detected in South Texas for the first time in decades.
-Found in a calf, and officials have set up quarantine zones to prevent spread.
⚠️ Why it’s dangerous:
-Flies lay eggs in open wounds or small cuts.
-Larvae (maggots) feed on living tissue, not dead tissue.
-Can cause severe infection, tissue damage, and even death if untreated.
-Can affect dogs, cats, livestock, wildlife, and rarely humans.
🐶🐱 Signs in pets:
-Wounds that get worse instead of healing.
-Bad odor from a sore.
-Maggots visible in a wound.
-Excessive licking or irritation.
-Swelling, pain, or unusual behavior.
✅ How to prevent it:
-Check pets daily for cuts, bites, or sores.
-Keep wounds clean and treated immediately.
-Don’t ignore small injuries or insect bites.
-Limit outdoor exposure if your pet has a wound.
-See a vet right away if anything looks abnormal.
-For thick coated breeds, make sure to check all the way down to the skin.
❤️ Bottom line:
-This is currently an isolated case, but awareness is key.
-Early detection can save your pet’s life!
