ISVMA Encourages Illinois Pet Owners to Stay Informed About New World Screwworm While Emphasizing Risk Remains Low
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA) is encouraging pet owners to learn the facts about New World screwworm and take simple preventive measures to protect their animals, while emphasizing that the parasite remains rare in the United States and should not be a cause for panic.
New World screwworm is a type of fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Unlike common maggots that are typically found in dead tissue, screwworm larvae can infest wounds or other openings in the skin of pets, livestock, wildlife, and, in rare cases, people.
To help educate Illinois pet owners, ISVMA has released a new informational resource outlining what pet owners should know, signs to watch for, and practical steps they can take to keep their animals safe.
“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 a wound that will not heal, an unusual odor coming from a wound, visible maggots, persistent licking or biting at one location, or signs that a pet is in pain or feeling unwell.
The association recommends keeping pets on regular flea and tick prevention, checking animals frequently for cuts, scrapes, and skin issues, properly caring for wounds, and
maintaining regular veterinary visits. Surgical sites and other injuries should be monitored closely to ensure they are healing properly.
“If you see something concerning, don’t try to treat it yourself,” Dr. 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 pet owners planning international travel to be aware of current federal requirements. Dogs returning to the United States after travel to Mexico must comply with USDA and APHIS screwworm-related certification requirements before re-entering the country.
Dr. Brucker noted that routine pet care remains the best defense.
“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.”
ISVMA further emphasizes that New World screwworm does not affect food safety and that human cases remain uncommon.
“Veterinarians, animal health officials, and agricultural partners have strong systems in place to monitor and respond to animal health concerns,” Dr. Brucker said. “Our goal is to provide accurate information, encourage vigilance, and help pet owners understand that there are practical steps they can take to keep their animals healthy. It’s also important for people to understand that New World screwworm does not affect the safety of our food.”
Pet owners seeking additional information can consult their veterinarian or visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s official New World screwworm resource at screwworm.gov.
About the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association
The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association represents veterinarians and veterinary professionals across Illinois and is dedicated to advancing animal health, animal welfare, public health, and the veterinary profession through education, advocacy, and leadership.
