Thelaziosis, a disease caused by the Thelazia callipaeda eye worm, has been reported in two domestic cats in New York and is believed to pose an increasing threat to cats and dogs. T. callipaeda is an exotic eye worm transmitted by the fruit fly, Phortica variegata. Thelazia californiensis is native to North America but T. callipaeda poses a One Health risk as the parasite can infect dogs, cats, wild animals and humans.
I am not aware of any incident in wild animals or humans in the U.S. However, there is high potential for its occurrence in humans and wildlife.” – Manigandan Lejeune, MVSc, PhD
Source: Infectious Disease Special Edition, April 10, 2024. Link. Active surveillance in pets, shelter animals and wild carnivores would help to determine the true extent of the parasite and its vector spread in the United States.