As Texas officials ramp up efforts to stop the spread of the New World screwworm, many Texans are wondering whether the flesh-eating parasite could affect their families and pets.
Houston, Texas Weather Radar | Click2Houston | KPRCAfter half-century on death row, Houston man gets lifeTestimony ends after 4 days, closing arguments set in trial of fatal Texas track meet stabbingJune 9, 2026 at 6:07 AM FILE - A test container of dyed fly pupae are displayed at a Domestic New World Screwworm Sterile Fly Production Facility to combat the northward spread of NWS and protect American livestock, in Edinburg, Texas, Feb. 9, 2026.
As Texas officials ramp up efforts to stop the spread of the New World screwworm, many Texans are wondering whether the flesh-eating parasite could affect their families and pets. While the New World screwworm primarily threatens livestock and wildlife, experts say dogs, cats and even humans can become infected under certain circumstances. The parasite develops when a female screwworm fly lays eggs in an open wound.
After the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into and feed on living tissue, causing painful injuries that can become severe if left untreated.and state officials, household pets are vulnerable to screwworm infestations because even small cuts, scrapes or surgical wounds can attract the flies. The warning comes as federal officials recently confirmed a screwworm case involving a dog in New Mexico, highlighting that pets can be affected by the parasite.
Veterinarians say pet owners should regularly check their animals for injuries and monitor wounds closely, especially during warmer months when flies are more active. A foul odor coming from an injury, people can become infected if a screwworm fly lays eggs in an open wound or other vulnerable area of the body. Checking pets regularly for injuriesIs screwworm spreading in Texas? State officials have expanded their response to the growing threat as cases continue to be detected closer to Texas.
The parasite was eradicated from the United States decades ago through a sterile-fly program, but officials are working to prevent it from becoming reestablished. While the current threat is focused primarily on livestock, experts say awareness is important because the parasite can infect any warm-blooded animal — including pets and, in rare cases, people. Officials emphasize that screwworm is not spread through eating meat and does not pose a food safety risk to consumers.
Texas ramps up response to New World screwworm threat as cases increase1 muerto y 1 herido de gravedad tras tiroteo en una parrillada de cangrejos de río en HoustonCircle K reimbursing for contaminated fuel. Another driver reports damageAlvin City Council approves resolution opposing data centers pending further reviewFamily & Community Protest Brazoria County Deputy Shooting of Texas State StudentMan sneaks onto Houston United flight with fake boarding pass
Please follow us on Google to support usCDC Screwworm Guidance New World Screwworm Livestock Disease Screwworm Prevention Screwworm Human Screwworm Infection Veterinary Advice Pet Wound Infection CDC Screwworm
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Love Island USA Returns for New Season with New Contestants and New DramaLove Island USA has returned for its new season with a new group of contestants vying for a $100,000 prize. The show's format remains the same, with contestants coupling up to stay in the luxury villa and earning a shot at the prize. However, the show's host, Ariana Madix, has had to issue a message to viewers reminding them to be kind and respectful in their reactions to the show. The show's producers have also taken steps to ensure the contestants' safety and well-being, including reminding viewers not to contact the contestants' families or doxx them.
Read more »
Help The Texas Tribune report on new AI data centers in TexasFill out the form below to help us continue our reporting on data centers and let us know more about what you're interested in knowing about.
Read more »
2 new cases of screwworm found in Texas; Canada blocks Texas livestock importsThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Monday confirmed two additional cases of New World screwworm in Texas, widening a multi-agency response that has already triggered international trade restrictions.
Read more »
Texas officials join USDA for major briefing on New World Screwworm crisisKERRVILLE, Texas - Texas officials are escalating their response to the New World screwworm threat as new detections are reported in Central and West Texas and
Read more »