Illinois veterinarians encourage pet owners to stay informed about New World screwworm
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SPRINGFIELD — As awareness of New World screwworm grows following recent national attention, the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA) is encouraging pet owners and animal caretakers to stay informed while emphasizing that the parasite remains rare in the United States and that routine veterinary care remains the best defense against infestation.
The association recently launched a statewide educational effort designed to provide accurate, science-based information about New World screwworm, including how animals become infected, what warning signs owners should watch for, and practical preventive measures that can help protect pets and livestock.
New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Unlike common maggots that feed on dead tissue, screwworm larvae can infest wounds or other openings in the skin. The parasite can affect pets, livestock, wildlife and, in rare cases, humans.
Veterinary leaders say the recent attention surrounding New World screwworm has prompted understandable questions from Illinois pet owners, but they emphasize there is no reason for panic.
“Awareness and prevention are the most important messages for pet owners right now,” said Dr. Kate Brucker, president of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association. “While New World screwworm has received increased attention nationally, it remains uncommon in the United States. Pet owners should not be alarmed, but they should be informed and take routine steps to protect their animals.”
According to ISVMA, pet owners should contact their veterinarian if they notice wounds that fail to heal, unusual odors coming from wounds, visible maggots, persistent licking or biting at one location, or signs that an animal appears to be in pain or otherwise unwell.
Veterinarians also recommend keeping pets on year-round flea and tick prevention, routinely checking animals for cuts, scrapes and other skin injuries, providing proper wound care, and maintaining regular veterinary wellness visits. Surgical sites and other injuries should also be monitored closely to ensure they heal properly.
Veterinary professionals caution against attempting to diagnose or treat suspected infestations without professional assistance.
“If you see something concerning, don’t try to treat it yourself,” Brucker said. “Contact your veterinarian immediately. Veterinarians are trained to identify potential cases and are required to report suspected infestations so appropriate animal health officials can respond quickly and protect other animals.”
ISVMA also reminds Illinois residents traveling internationally with dogs to review current federal animal health requirements before returning to the United States. Dogs returning from Mexico must comply with current USDA and APHIS certification requirements related to New World screwworm before re-entering the country.
The association emphasizes that New World screwworm does not affect food safety and that human infections remain uncommon.
Brucker said routine veterinary care continues to provide strong protection for Illinois pets.
“The good news is that basic preventive veterinary care, regular wound monitoring, and prompt attention to any health concerns go a long way toward keeping pets safe,” she said. “Illinois pet owners already do many of these things every day, and that’s why we want to reassure them that simple, common-sense precautions are highly effective.”
Veterinary officials encourage pet owners with questions or concerns to consult their veterinarian and rely on trusted animal health resources for accurate, up-to-date information as awareness efforts continue across Illinois.