06/13/2026
🚨 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PET OWNERS, RANCHERS & ANIMAL LOVERS 🚨
The New World Screwworm (NWS) is a dangerous parasitic fly that can cause severe injury and even death to livestock, pets, wildlife, and in rare cases, humans. Unlike common blow flies that feed on dead tissue, New World Screwworm larvae feed on living flesh, making early detection critical.
🔍 How to Spot a New World Screwworm Fly
✅ Metallic blue-green body
✅ Distinct dark stripes on the thorax
✅ Reddish-orange face and eyes
⚠️ Warning Signs of Infection
• Open wounds that won’t heal
• Maggots visible in wounds
• Foul odor from an injury
• Excessive licking, scratching, or irritation
• Swelling or discharge around a wound
• Animals becoming weak, lethargic, or refusing food
🪰 What Makes Screwworms Different?
❌ Common maggots typically feed on dead tissue.
❌ New World Screwworm larvae invade and consume healthy, living tissue, causing wounds to grow larger and deeper.
🐾 Protect Your Animals
✔ Check pets and livestock daily for wounds.
✔ Keep injuries clean and covered when possible.
✔ Seek veterinary care immediately if maggots are found in a wound.
✔ Report suspected cases to your veterinarian or local animal health officials.
📢 Early detection saves lives. The sooner a screwworm infestation is identified and treated, the better the chances of recovery.
Please share this information to help protect our pets, livestock, wildlife, and community. 🐴🐄🐕🐈💙
