New World screwworm has been getting a lot of attention recently, and understandably so. When headlines include phrases like “flesh-eating parasite,” it tends to make every pet owner pause mid-scroll.
The good news? For most pets in Central Illinois, the current risk remains low. The even better news? A little awareness and good wound care can go a long way in protecting pets, livestock, wildlife, and people.
At Limestone Companion Animal Hospital,we want pet owners to feel informed — not panicked. Here is what you should know.
What Is New World Screwworm?
First, despite the name, New World screwworm is not actually a worm. It is a type of parasitic fly.
The problem begins when the female fly lays eggs in an open wound or body opening of a warm-blooded animal. Once those eggs hatch, the larvae — or maggots — feed on living tissue. That is what makes New World screwworm different from many other fly larvae, which typically feed on dead tissue.
New World screwworm can affect:
- Dogs and cats
- Cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and other livestock
- Wildlife
- Birds
- Rarely, people
This is one reason veterinarians, livestock owners, public health officials, and animal health agencies are taking the situation seriously.
Why Is New World Screwworm in the News?
New World screwworm was eradicated from the United States decades ago, but cases have been moving north through Central America and Mexico in recent years. In June 2026, federal officials confirmed New World screwworm in a calf in Texas, followed by additional animal detections, including a dog in New Mexico.
That does not mean pet owners in Illinois need to panic. It does mean this is a good time to pay closer attention to wound care, travel history, and any unusual skin changes in pets.
Think of it like tick prevention: we do not want to spend every summer worrying, but we do want to stay aware and respond quickly when something looks off.
How Can New World Screwworm Affect Pets?
Dogs and cats are most at risk if they have an open wound, sore, surgical incision, irritated skin, or another area where flies may be attracted.
Possible signs of concern include:
- A wound that is getting larger instead of healing
- Drainage, bleeding, or a foul odor from a wound
- Swelling, redness, or increasing pain
- Your pet licking, scratching, shaking, or guarding an area
- Visible maggots or movement in or around a wound
- Changes in behavior, such as hiding, restlessness, or not wanting to be touched
Any wound with maggots should be treated as urgent. Please do not try to remove larvae or treat the wound at home. Your pet needs veterinary care so the wound can be properly cleaned, treated, and monitored.
How Can Pet Owners Help Protect Their Dogs and Cats?
The most important step is simple: check your pet regularly.
This is especially important if your pet spends time outdoors, has recently traveled, has a healing wound, or lives near livestock or wildlife.
1. Check Your Pet’s Skin and Coat
Give your pet a quick once-over during regular brushing, after outdoor time, or after travel. Pay special attention to:
- Ears
- Nose and mouth area
- Belly
- Groin area
- Paws
- Tail area
- Any cuts, scrapes, hot spots, or surgical sites
For fluffy pets, this may require a little extra “part the fur and investigate” effort. They may not appreciate your detective work, but their skin health is worth it.
2. Keep Wounds Clean and Covered When Possible
If your pet has a wound, do not ignore it. Even small wounds can attract flies.
Call your veterinarian if you notice:
- A cut that is not healing
- A sore that keeps reopening
- A surgical incision that looks red, swollen, or wet
- Any wound with odor or discharge
Your veterinary team can recommend the safest cleaning, protection, and follow-up plan based on your pet’s specific situation.
3. Stay Current on Parasite Prevention
While routine flea and tick prevention is not a substitute for wound care, keeping pets on veterinarian-recommended parasite prevention is still an important part of overall health.
Recent federal emergency authorizations have also expanded treatment options for New World screwworm in dogs and cats in certain situations. Your veterinarian is the best person to determine what product is appropriate if exposure or infestation is suspected.
Please do not give livestock products, wildlife products, or medications meant for another species to your pet unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so.
4. Be Careful With Travel
If you are traveling with pets, especially to or through areas with confirmed New World screwworm cases, inspect your pet before, during, and after the trip.
Before traveling, make sure:
- Your pet has no untreated wounds
- Preventive care is up to date
- You have a copy of any required health paperwork
- You know where to find veterinary care at your destination
If your pet recently traveled from Texas, New Mexico, Mexico, Central America, or another affected area and develops a suspicious wound, let your veterinary team know right away. Travel history matters.
Can New World Screwworm Affect People?
Yes, but human cases are rare. Current federal guidance states that the risk to the general public in the United States is very low.
People can reduce risk by keeping wounds clean and covered, using EPA-registered insect repellent when appropriate, wearing protective clothing in higher-risk areas, and seeking medical care for wounds that are painful, worsening, foul-smelling, or show signs of larvae.
As with pets, the key is early attention. Wounds that do not look right should not be ignored.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Screwworm?
If you see maggots in a pet’s wound or notice a wound that is worsening quickly, call your veterinarian immediately.
Do not:
- Attempt to remove larvae yourself
- Apply random insecticides or livestock treatments
- Wait several days to “see if it improves”
- Travel with an animal that may be infested
Veterinarians are required to report suspicious animal cases to animal health officials so the proper agencies can respond quickly. Fast reporting helps protect pets, livestock, wildlife, and public health.
The Bottom Line for Central Illinois Pet Owners
New World screwworm is a serious animal health concern, but it is not a reason to panic. For most local pet owners, the best protection is practical and familiar:
- Check your pet’s skin regularly
- Take wounds seriously
- Keep parasite prevention current
- Be mindful of travel to affected areas
- Call your veterinarian if something looks unusual
At Limestone Companion Animal Hospital, we are here to help you sort through the headlines and make the safest decisions for your pet. If your dog or cat has a wound that is not healing normally, or if you have concerns after recent travel, please contact our team so we can help guide next steps.