EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — A new case of New World screwworm has been detected in a dog in El Paso County, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
In a statement to KFOX14/CBS4, State Rep. Mary E. González said the case was identified in a dog in Socorro, warning that the parasite can affect animals beyond livestock and urging people to check their pets closely.
“My office has been in communication with the appropriate state agencies and will continue to keep monitoring the situation. The New World Screwworm affects animals beyond livestock, so be sure to check on your pets and monitor them closely. It is important that members of our community stay vigilant and go to their veterinarians if they believe their animal may have been impacted,” González said in a statement.
According to health officials, anyone who observes signs of screwworm in an animal should avoid handling or moving the animal and immediately contact the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). Anyone who suspects an infestation in a person should seek prompt medical attention.
Officials also urged people to watch for wounds, in both animals and people, that either don’t heal or become progressively worse, maggots in wounds or other body openings, foul-smelling discharge from wounds, and unusual irritation, discomfort or signs of pain around an injury.
González’s office said it will continue monitoring the situation and updating the community.
New World screwworm case detected in El Paso County dog (Credit: USDA)
The new case in El Paso County comes after two other cases of New World screwworm were confirmed in Doña Ana County, including one found in a sheep on the New Mexico State University campus in Las Cruces.
According to officials, the second case was confirmed in a cow at an off-campus location.
In response to those two new cases, New Mexico animal health officials are expanding surveillance and fly-trapping efforts in Doña Ana County, including the NMSU campus, to look for additional cases and determine whether the pest has spread beyond the two animals.
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