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Entry 890Filed under Breeding

Screwworm in Dogs and Cats: Signs, Treatment, and Protection

Maggots or egg masses, a foul odor, or pain-related behavior changes can signal screwworm. Contact a veterinarian immediately and check current USDA status and travel guidance.
3-minute read By Animalso Team
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If your dog or cat has maggots or white egg masses in a wound or body opening, contact a veterinarian immediately and report the suspected infestation to animal-health officials. New World screwworm can cause severe tissue damage, and waiting for a wound to worsen can put your pet at greater risk. Local risk changes, so check current USDA and state updates rather than assuming every area has the same exposure.

What is New World screwworm?

New World screwworm (NWS), Cochliomyia hominivorax, is a fly whose larvae infest wounds or body openings and feed on living tissue. Dogs and cats can be affected, as can livestock and wildlife. The larvae burrow into tissue, and an infestation can cause serious damage and may be deadly. USDA APHIS explains the disease and prevention measures.

What are the signs of screwworm in dogs and cats?

According to USDA’s February 2026 pet factsheet, watch for these signs:

  • Maggots or white egg masses in a wound or body opening, including the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, or genitals.
  • A foul odor or smell of decay.
  • Pain-related changes, such as irritated behavior, depression, not eating, or withdrawing from people or other animals.

These signs warrant immediate veterinary attention; do not wait to see whether the wound gets larger. Read USDA’s pet factsheet for signs and response guidance.

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Vetericyn Plus Dog Wound Care Spray, Lick-Safe Wound & Skin Care, 3 oz
  • HEALING AID & SKIN REPAIR: Use a few times daily to flush dog cuts, abrasions, sores, and skin irritations
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  • VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED: Support wound healing with this anxiety-free, cost-effective alternative to antibiotic or steroid ointments.
  • TRUSTED BRAND: Vetericyn is a leader in at-home animal health products manufactured to help pet owners take the best care of their animals

What should you do if you suspect an infestation?

  1. Call a veterinarian immediately. Describe what you saw and where it is. USDA also advises contacting your state veterinarian’s office or USDA about suspected cases.
  2. Follow veterinary instructions for care and transport. Do not try to treat an infestation with a home remedy or an insecticide chosen without veterinary advice.
  3. Report the suspected case promptly. USDA asks people to report suspicious wounds, maggots, or infestations. Use the USDA current-status page to find current detection information and reporting links.

USDA’s direction is: “Animals infested with NWS should be treated according to their veterinarian’s recommendations.” USDA APHIS New World screwworm guidance.

How do you protect a pet from screwworm?

  • Monitor your pet for wounds and the signs listed above, and contact a veterinarian if you find anything suspicious.
  • If your pet will travel internationally, discuss exposure risks and veterinary examinations before and after travel, especially when visiting an affected country.
  • Ensure pets traveling internationally are inspected as recommended by your veterinarian and the relevant authorities.
  • Check live USDA and state status information because detections and infested-zone boundaries can change.

USDA’s pesticide list for NWS is not an endorsement of the listed products. Use is limited by each product’s label and permitted application site; a product listed for one use should not be assumed safe or appropriate for a dog or cat.

Rank #2
Vetericyn Plus Dog Wound Care Spray, Lick-Safe Wound & Skin Care, 16 oz
  • HEALING AID & SKIN REPAIR: Use a few times daily to flush dog cuts, abrasions, sores, and skin irritations
  • PET FIRST AID ESSENTIAL: Works great on all animals at all life stages to help provide relief to skin problems
  • SAFE & EFFECTIVE: Made with a non-toxic hypochlorous technology that is pH-balanced and safe if licked
  • VETERINARIAN RECOMMENDED: Support wound healing with this anxiety-free, cost-effective alternative to antibiotic or steroid ointments.
  • TRUSTED BRAND: Vetericyn is a leader in at-home animal health products manufactured to help pet owners take the best care of their animals

What treatment options are available?

Veterinary treatment depends on the individual animal and the current regulatory status of available drugs. The FDA’s animal-drug page lists authorized options, including generic nitenpyram tablets among options for dogs and cats. As of September 3, 2026, FDA reported 15 emergency use authorizations and three conditional approvals for animal drugs against NWS. Those are counts of regulatory actions, not a statement that every listed drug is suitable for every pet.

Do not choose a product or dose based on a list or on another animal’s treatment. Ask a veterinarian to assess your pet and consult the FDA’s current New World screwworm animal-drug information, since authorizations and product details can change.

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Rank #3
SILVER GRADE Wound Spray for Pets – Colloidal Silver Wound Care for Dogs & Cats – Helps with Skin Irritation, Hot Spots, Rashes, Scratching, Itch, Bites & Burns – Use a Dog Cone – 4 oz
  • COMPREHENSIVE HELP: The Wound Spray is ideal for cat & dog hot spot treatment. Helps with scratches, cuts & skin irritations. It is perfect for dog wound care, as it provides a quick effect.
  • HOT SPOT SPRAY TREATMENT FOR DOGS: Our cat & dog Wound Spray is suitable for all sizes & breeds, making it easy to support their well-being. Use our supplement with a cone for dogs to stop licking.
  • COLLOIDAL SILVER FOR DOGS & CATS: It is the best hot spot treatment for dogs that has only two ingredients, Colloidal Silver and Deionized Water. It provides gentle skin care and quickly absorbs.
  • DOSAGE & WARNING: Our advanced spray form makes our supplement easy to use and administer. Simply spray 2-4 times twice daily, use a cone for cats and dog bandages for wounds to prevent licking.
  • SAFE COMPOUND: We created our supplement using only safe ingredients, without any additives, artificial colorants, or GMOs, to provide gentle wound care for dogs and cats.

What should dog owners know about travel to the United States?

USDA’s February 2026 factsheet says dogs arriving in the United States from NWS-affected countries—including dogs returning to the country—need a health certificate signed by an official government veterinarian. The certificate must confirm that the dog was inspected for NWS within five days of travel and was found not to be infested. USDA warns that dogs showing signs may be denied entry and returned to the country of departure at the owner’s expense.

This certificate instruction is specific to dogs; do not assume it applies to cats. Requirements can change, so check current entry rules before departure. USDA’s pet travel factsheet provides the cited guidance.

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SILVER GRADE Dog Wound Spray Helps with Hot Spots, Irritations, Bites, Burns, Rashes, Itch, Scratching – Better Use with a Dog Cone to Stop Licking – Safe for Large and Small Breeds – 4 oz
  • SILVER FOR BELOVED DOGS – Our hot spot treatment for dogs in spray form is designed for all breeds and ages, providing soothing support for their skin. All-natural ingredients, No GMOs!
  • ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTION – Perfect for helping with rashes, hot spots, itching, scratching, skin irritations, bites, and burns. Dog hot spot treatment offers a comprehensive approach to dog wound care!
  • EASY TO USE – Whether for large dog or smaller ones, this hot spot spray treatment for dogs is simple to apply. You can use a cone for dogs to stop licking.
  • APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS – Simply clean the affected area of any dirt or debris, then spray directly onto your dog’s skin. It works as a first aid treatment and provides long-term care for skin conditions.
  • MORE BENEFITS – The 4-oz bottle is compact and travel-friendly, making it easy to use at home, while traveling, or during walks. Thoughtfully designed for convenience and peace of mind for pet owners!
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Where can you check current local risk?

USDA’s current-status page, modified October 2, 2026, links to the U.S. confirmed-detection dashboard and a Texas infested-zone map. Use those live resources and your state animal-health authority for local information; a dated map or general national update cannot establish your pet’s current local exposure risk. Check USDA’s current NWS status.

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SkinSmart Antimicrobial Wound Care for Pets, Hypochlorous Acid Spray, 8 oz
  • SAFELY HELPS HEAL WOUNDS, scratches, hot spots and bites; sting-free formula
  • DELIVERS ANTIMICROBIAL BENEFITS OF HYPOCHLOROUS with an easy, touch-free spray
  • SAFE TO SPRAY AROUND EYES, NOSE, MOUTH AND EARS—safe if licked, no steroids or antibiotics
  • HELPS ACCELERATE HEALING AND HELPS PREVENT INFECTION; ideal for post operation recovery at home
  • RELIEVES ITCH & DEODORIZES STINKY SKIN; safe for dogs, cats, horses and ALL animals

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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