El Paso pet parents, heads up! There’s a flesh-eating screwworm that is being reported in Mexico, less than 200 miles from Texas!
According to veterinarians, the case was confirmed last week in a six-day-old calf in Tamaulipas, and while this parasite is rare, it’s also extremely serious if it shows up in pets.
Right now, the border is closed to cattle imports, which helps limit spread, but vets stress that pet owners still need to stay alert.
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What To Look Out For In Your Pets:
According to vets, it all starts when a fly lays eggs in an open wound on a living animal. Those eggs can hatch in 12 to 24 hours, and once they do, the larvae begin feeding on live tissue. Absolutely not the vibe.
Vets say pet owners should be on high alert and watch for warning signs like a foul odor, excessive licking, visible pain, or something moving in a wound. Depending on where the screwworm is located, it can cause major health issues, including difficulty chewing or breathing.
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“I know this sounds really gross,” one veterinarian shared with KVIA, “but if you see something moving around in live tissue, alert your veterinarian immediately. Do not try to remove it yourself.” Trying to DIY this situation can actually make things worse and lead to severe tissue damage or even death.
Moral of the story: check your pet’s skin regularly, keep wounds clean, and when in doubt, call the vet.
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