06/09/2026
‼️ 🐕 From our friends at Midtown Animal Clinic:
You've probably seen it on the news or on Facebook: New World Screwworm has been confirmed in both Texas and New Mexico. If you're worried about New World Screwworm (NWS), or if you're planning to travel to Mexico with your pet, PLEASE read!
WHAT IS NEW WORLD SCREWWORM?
New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, causing severe — and potentially fatal — wounds. It affects all warm-blooded animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and small mammals. In rare cases, it can also affect people.
After being eradicated from the U.S. in 1966, NWS has been spreading northward through Central America and Mexico. As of this week, confirmed cases have been identified in Texas and New Mexico, including in at least one pet dog.
SIGNS TO WATCH FOR:
The most telltale signs of a NWS infection are:
• An open wound that won't heal, especially one containing visible eggs or small larvae (maggots)
• A foul odor coming from a wound
• Unusual restlessness, pain, or lethargy
• Your pet scratching or pawing at an area of their body
If you notice any of these signs, please contact us immediately. The good news: NWS is completely treatable when caught early. Treatment typically involves removing the larvae and thoroughly cleaning the wound.
We also want to stress that NWS is not common. We are in the midst of Foxtail Season, and we've been seeing lots of dogs and cats for foxtail-related wounds (especially in the feet). If you find an open wound on your pet, make an appointment with your veterinarian. But don't assume it's NWS, and don't panic! Just make that appointment and get the wound taken care of as soon as possible.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PET:
• Keep wounds clean and dry. Any cut, scratch, or surgical wound is a potential entry point for NWS flies. Keep wounds clean, treated, and monitored closely.
• Control parasites. Ticks and other parasites that cause skin wounds can create opportunities for NWS. Keeping your pet on a regular parasite prevention program is more important than ever. There are many prevention products that protect against NWS, including: NexGard, Credelio Quattro, and Simparica.
• Inspect your pet regularly. Especially if your pet spends time outdoors, check them over frequently — particularly around the ears, nose, mouth, and any existing wounds.
IF YOU'RE PLANNING TO TRAVEL TO MEXICO WITH YOUR PET:
As of today, June 8th, traveling with your dog to Mexico is NOT PERMITTED until further notice. This situation is changing daily, and we're monitoring the evolving guidance closely.
• Mexico has announced it is halting imports of pet dogs (and other species) from all U.S. states, effective immediately, due to confirmed NWS cases here in the U.S.
• The USDA has also suspended exports of pet dogs to Mexico for the time being.
• If you had planned to travel to or through Mexico with your pet, we strongly recommend contacting us before your trip so we can advise you on current entry requirements and health certifications. We also recommend making alternative plans for your pet during your trip, like utilizing a local boarding facility. Flagstaff boarding facilities include: Cinder Hills Kennels, Wags & Whiskers, and Kingsmark Kennels.
• Dogs returning from Mexico must be inspected by an authorized veterinarian and certified free from screwworm before re-entry into the U.S.
We will continue to monitor guidance from the USDA and AVMA and will keep you updated as this situation develops.
QUESTIONS? WE'RE HERE FOR YOU.
If you have any concerns about your pet's health or are planning travel, don't hesitate to reach out. You can reach us by email at [email protected], or call our office at 928-440-4020.
