How to protect pets from the New World screwworm

There’s no need for owners to panic about NWS, but they need to develop habits to protect their animals from this emerging insect threat.

Cochliomyia hominivorax are parasitic flies whose larvae infest wounds and can result in significant tissue damage if left untreated. Obligate parasites, the larvae consume the living flesh of warm-blooded hosts. When maggots are removed, the animal typically recovers, especially if attention is given early.

Source: Vet Candy, May 2, 2026. Link. It’s also important that owners keep their pets on routine parasite preventative medicines.

Adult C. hominivorax are not going to be seen resting on the animals like horn flies or stable flies; they’re typically resting in forested areas,” – Gui Verocai, PhD