More than 4,500 pets have received free NexGard products through PAAC clinics, while thousands of additional doses went to area partners.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A South Texas animal welfare organization is distributing free parasite prevention to help protect pets from the threat of New World screwworm.
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People Assisting Animal Control, known as PAAC, said it has helped distribute more than 100,000 doses of NexGard products across South Texas through a partnership with the BISSELL Pet Foundation and Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation.
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More than 65,000 doses have been distributed to surrounding communities through local veterinarians and animal shelters, according to PAAC.
The organization said more than 4,500 pets have also received free NexGard products through its clinics in Corpus Christi and Alice. Eligible dogs and cats visiting the clinics for spay or neuter procedures receive a one year supply at no charge.
PAAC said the prevention is especially important for animals undergoing surgery because surgical incisions can leave them vulnerable to screwworm. Community cats can also be difficult to treat after they are released, so eligible cats receive the product while they are in the organization’s care.
PAAC Executive Director Cheryl Martinez said the organization wants to take preventative measures to stop the spread before it’s too late..
“We don’t want to wait until screwworm reaches our communities to ensure animals are protected. Through these partnerships, we have an incredible opportunity to be proactive and help protect thousands of South Texas pets,” Martinez said.
Pet owners can receive the free product for eligible animals undergoing spay or neuter procedures at PAAC’s Corpus Christi and Alice clinics.