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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The “less than 70 miles” headline refers to a historical report: on September 21, 2025, Mexico confirmed New World screwworm in a cow at Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo León. It does not describe today’s nearest detection or prove that flies naturally crossed that distance. New World screwworm can affect dogs and cats, so contact a veterinarian promptly about suspicious wounds, maggots, or egg masses and check official sources for current status and travel rules.
Most U.S. dogs and cats are considered low risk, while pets recently in areas with confirmed cases face elevated risk, according to USDA APHIS. The practical priorities are recognizing warning signs, getting veterinary care, reporting suspected infestations, and planning ahead for travel.
Key takeaways
- The 70-mile figure describes the September 21, 2025 Sabinas Hidalgo detection; it is not a current measurement of the nearest case.
- New World screwworm larvae feed on living tissue. Dogs and cats can be affected, as can livestock, wildlife, and people.
- Maggots or white egg masses in wounds or body openings, a foul odor, or signs of pain or illness warrant prompt veterinary attention and reporting.
- Do not dig larvae out or substitute flea medicine or a generic wound product for veterinary care.
- For pet travel to or from affected countries, discuss risks and current entry requirements with a veterinarian and check official APHIS and CDC guidance.
- FDA’s nitenpyram emergency use authorization has specific eligibility and use conditions; ask a veterinarian whether it applies to your pet.
What happened in Nuevo León?
On September 21, 2025, Mexico’s SENASICA confirmed New World screwworm in a cow at Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo León, less than 70 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. USDA APHIS described it as the northernmost detection during that phase of the outbreak. The distance is historical context, not a current estimate of where the nearest case is. USDA’s announcement of the Nuevo León detection provides the original report.
The cow had been moved from southern Mexico to a certified feedlot. The detection therefore highlighted the importance of animal movement controls; by itself, it did not prove that flies had naturally advanced 70 miles toward the United States.
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What is New World screwworm?
New World screwworm is the fly Cochliomyia hominivorax. Females lay eggs in wounds or body openings, including the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and genitals. The eggs hatch into larvae that feed on living tissue. Dogs and cats, as well as livestock, wildlife, and people, can be affected. USDA APHIS veterinary guidance explains animal risks and reporting.
This is not simply a nuisance involving flies around an animal. A suspected infestation needs veterinary assessment; do not try to diagnose it from a photograph or treat it with an unverified product.
Can my dog or cat get New World screwworm?
Yes. APHIS describes most U.S. dogs and cats as low risk, with elevated risk for pets recently in areas with confirmed cases. If your pet has traveled to an affected area or may have been exposed, contact a veterinarian about the animal’s risk and what to watch for. Check current official status rather than relying on an old map or headline.
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APHIS says it eradicated New World screwworm from the United States in 1966 using sterile insect technique. That historical achievement does not establish today’s case status; consult the current APHIS status page and linked dashboard and maps for updates.
What signs should I watch for?
Warning signs can include maggots or white egg masses in a wound or body opening, a foul or decaying odor, and signs of pain or illness. A pet may act irritated, seem depressed, stop eating, or isolate from people or other animals. These signs are not a diagnosis, but they warrant prompt veterinary attention.
| What you notice | What to do |
|---|---|
| Maggots or white egg masses in a wound or body opening | Contact a veterinarian promptly and report the suspicion to the state veterinarian or USDA. |
| A wound, foul odor, or signs of pain or illness | Arrange veterinary assessment; do not wait for the wound to worsen. |
| No symptoms, but recent travel or planned travel to or from an affected country | Discuss risk, examinations, prevention, and current entry rules with a veterinarian before travel. |
Do not dig larvae out or rely on flea medication as a substitute for care. FDA notes that veterinary professionals may need to remove remaining larvae after drug treatment to reduce infection or further tissue damage, and recommends veterinary guidance on wound care and reinfestation.
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What should I do if I see maggots in a wound?
- Contact a veterinarian promptly. Explain what you saw, where the wound or body opening is, and whether the pet has traveled or may have been exposed.
- Report the suspicion. Follow the veterinarian’s direction and report promptly to the state veterinarian or USDA as appropriate.
- Do not dig larvae out or self-treat. A veterinary professional should direct treatment, removal, and wound care.
- Follow advice about preventing reinfestation and follow-up care. Drug treatment may not address every larva or wound-care need.
What treatment is available for pets?
FDA’s emergency use authorization covers generic nitenpyram tablets for treating New World screwworm myiasis in dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens at least four weeks old and weighing at least two pounds. On September 3, 2026, FDA revised the authorization to add prevention to the existing treatment indication. These conditions do not mean every consumer nitenpyram listing carries the authorization or is suitable for every animal.
FDA says treatment involves a second dose six hours after the first; the effect is short-acting and does not prevent reinfestation. Do not start treatment or choose a dose without veterinary guidance. A veterinarian can assess whether the authorization applies and advise on follow-up, possible larval removal, and wound care. See FDA’s information on animal drugs for New World screwworm.
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Before travel to or from a New World screwworm-affected country, talk with your veterinarian about whether the trip is necessary, the pet’s risk, signs and prevention, veterinary examinations before and after travel, and veterinary resources at the destination. Rules can change, so check current APHIS and CDC requirements rather than treating a dated factsheet as a complete checklist.
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APHIS’s February 2026 factsheet specifies that dogs arriving from affected countries, including returning dogs, need a health certificate signed by an official government veterinarian in the departure country confirming that the dog was inspected for New World screwworm within five days of travel and has no infestation. Pets showing signs may be denied entry to the United States and returned to the departure country at the owner’s expense. Confirm current requirements with official agencies before departure.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How can I reduce exposure?
Follow veterinary and official public-health guidance in areas where New World screwworm flies are present. For people, CDC guidance includes keeping open wounds clean and covered, wearing clothing that limits exposed skin, using an EPA-registered insect repellent, treating clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin, and sleeping indoors or in screened rooms or tents. The clothing-and-gear advice is not permission to apply those products to a pet. Ask a veterinarian before using any product on an animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 70-mile detection mean flies crossed into Texas?
No. The figure refers to the distance from the September 21, 2025 detection in Sabinas Hidalgo to the U.S.-Mexico border. The cow had been moved from southern Mexico, and the report did not prove natural fly movement across that distance.
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Can dogs and cats get New World screwworm?
Yes. Dogs and cats can be affected. APHIS describes most U.S. pets as low risk, with elevated risk for pets recently in areas with confirmed cases. Ask a veterinarian about exposure and watch for suspicious wounds, maggots, egg masses, odor, or signs of illness.
Should I remove larvae myself?
No. Contact a veterinarian promptly rather than digging larvae out or relying on a home treatment. Veterinary professionals can determine treatment and whether additional larval removal or wound care is needed.
Can I use nitenpyram to treat or prevent screwworm?
FDA’s emergency use authorization covers generic nitenpyram tablets under defined conditions for eligible dogs and cats, and was revised on September 3, 2026 to add prevention. Ask a veterinarian whether a specific product and use are appropriate; do not assume every consumer listing is covered by the authorization.
What should I check before traveling with my pet?
Discuss travel and examinations with your veterinarian and check current APHIS and CDC entry requirements. APHIS’s February 2026 factsheet describes a government-veterinarian inspection within five days for dogs arriving from affected countries, but requirements can change.
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