Veterinarian Urges Pet Parents to Watch for These ‘New World Screwworm' Warning Signs

New World Screwworm has officially made its way into the U.S., which is definitely scary. As pet parents, we already have so much to worry about, from whether our preferred pet food has been recalled to what toys are choking hazards.

Unfortunately, New World Screwworm is not something we can ignore, even if we don't live somewhere with any outbreaks. Luckily, veterinarians are issuing warnings to help us all be as preventative as we possibly can be:

@kgnstv

A Laredo veterinarian is advising pet owners to stay alert as cases of the New World Screwworm are rising. #laredo#news#kgns#screwworm#texas#newworldscrewworm#TAHC#webbcounty

original sound - KGNS - KGNS

KGNS TV aired this clip: the veterinarian issuing the warning is in Laredo, Texas. There are no cases in Laredo, but 8 confirmed cases are in Texas alone. Pet parents in Texas and surrounding areas should be extra cautious!

Related: Rescue Pit Bull ‘Comes Back to Life' in Shelter and Dreams of a Forever Home

What is New World Screwworm?

New World Screwworms are the larvae of a parasitic fly. The flies lay their eggs in open wounds on living things, unlike most other flies, and those larvae burrow into the wound. They're flesh-eating and incredibly dangerous.

Technically, any warm-blooded animal can get New World Screwworm, which is what makes it so dangerous. Most commonly, the parasites are found in:

• Cattle.
• Other livestock.
• Farm birds, like chickens and ducks.
• Wild animals.

It's becoming more common to find New World Screwworms in dogs and cats, though. It also spreads easily: the flies fly away, find an animal with a wound, and infect. Rinse and repeat until several animals across several states are infected.

How to Spot New World Screwworm

Though any animal can technically get NWS, they have to have an open wound for the flies to lay their eggs in. It might be a small wound you don't even notice, which is what makes it so terrifying: the eggs are tiny, and the problem is often impossible to spot until it's too late.

There are some symptoms to be on the lookout for:

• The wound becomes inflamed, smells bad, or seems infected.
• Small white dots in the wound or the surrounding area.
• Yelping or whining.
• Constant itching, biting, or licking of the impacted area.

If you believe your dog, cat, or any other pet might have NWS, get them to the emergency vet immediately to have the wound cleaned and treated. Don't try to do it on your own: you will not be able to get all of the eggs. Waiting will only make things worse.

If you're in a state that hasn't had any cases yet, it's still important to stay vigilant. Check for any open wounds whenever they come in from outside. Give them a good pat down every night before bed! They certainly won't mind that.

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This story was originally published June 15, 2026 at 7:00 AM.