The Brief
- Texas has confirmed 46 cases of New World screwworm, a parasite spread by flies that can infect fresh wounds in animals.
- Florida and New York are not accepting animals from Texas, while 23 Texas counties can no longer transport shelter pets out of state.
- Veterinarians urge pet owners to routinely check animals for open wounds; the potentially fatal infection can be treated.
HOUSTON – New World screwworm cases in Texas, including two involving dogs, are disrupting the transport of shelter animals to some other states and raising concerns for pet owners across the region.
Texas New World screwworm cases affecting pet rescues
What they’re saying:
New World Screw Worm, a tropical parasite, was declared eradicated by the U.S. in 1966. Now, Texas has 46 confirmed cases including two dogs.
“There is concern because it could happen to any animal,” said Dr. Shalsee Vigeant with VEG ER for Pets.” It doesn’t differentiate between cattle, goats, dogs, cats, or sheep, so there is a concern people should have for their pets.”…