In June, the USDA confirmed the first U.S. animal case from the resurgence of the New World Screwworm, or NWS, which moved northward through Central America, Mexico and, eventually, into Texas earlier this summer. While the parasitic pest has primarily affected animals and livestock in localized regions of Texas and New Mexico during this current outbreak, one prominent early case involved a dog. The fly targets open wounds to lay its eggs, which hatch into parasitic maggots that feed on living tissue. Prevalence is strongly tied to tropical and subtropical regions, warm and humid weather, posing a threat to animals and livestock in Florida and the Southeast. UF experts Dr. Amy Stone, a clinical associate professor of primary care and dentistry, and Dr. Heather Walden, an associate professor of parasitology, will discuss the NWS, its history, traits of the insect, how to protect your pets, warning signs they may be affected and steps to take if you suspect a case.
