Florida

Is New World Screwworm A Threat To Our Pets?

Every November, my wife and I attend a veterinary conference in Key West. While the trip is always educational and fun, the family member who enjoys it the most is our older dachshund, Grendel. Whether she’s frolicking on the dog beach or parading up and down Duval Street, she is thoroughly convinced the trip is all about her. But not this year.

This year, she is staying with friends in Miami.

I know - first world dog problems. How could I be so heartless? Surely I must be vying for the title of Meanest Dog Daddy In The World! (I’m not, but trust me, that’s exactly how I feel.) What on earth could possibly inspire me to leave the Diva of Duval Street at home? The decision was prompted by the discovery of an invasive parasite known as New World Screwworm in the Lower Keys. And yes, this little parasite is a big threat, not just to our pets, but to our native wildlife, and our local economy as well.

What the heck is a screwworm?

New World screwworms are the larvae, or maggots, of a fly that thrives in warm, humid climates. While the United States has not had an outbreak of screwworm in over fifty years, the USDA lists many of our South American and Caribbean neighbors as currently dealing with screwworm. Screwworms can infest pets, livestock, and other warm blooded animals - including humans. Thankfully, frequent bathing means the chances of a human becoming infected with screwworm are slim. That said, populations without access to basic hygiene are considered at risk. Adult screwworms (flies) lay their eggs near open wounds - even wounds as small as a flea or tick bite. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae tunnel into the living tissue of the host, continually eating the flesh until the life cycle is complete. Screwworms do their damage quickly and without mercy. Left untreated, screwworm infestations can be fatal.

While screwworm was eradicated in the U.S. in the 1950’s, the USDA announced earlier this month that it had reappeared in the some of the Lower Keys. Sadly, the latest victim is the already endangered Key Deer population. While their total numbers are somewhere between just 600 and 800, fifty animals have already been euthanized due to screwworm infestation. Given that this number likely to rise, and that all other warm blooded animals are at risk, it’s no surprise the veterinary community is on edge.

Can screwworm spread to the rest of Florida?

Screwworm has been described by Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture as a "potentially devastating animal disease that sends shivers down every rancher’s spine." While the threat to pets and wildlife is very real, livestock and food animals are especially susceptible to screwworm infestation. If screwworm finds it’s way to Florida’s mainland, the financial loss to our agricultural sector could easily top $1 billion. Hence the shivers.

What can pet owners do to stop the spread of screwworm?

Stopping screwworm in its tracks calls for a community effort. And the USDA is asking for your help. The most important thing pet owners can do right now is cooperate with local efforts to contain and eradicate the disease. An Animal Health Check Zone is now in place from Mile Marker 91 south. Animals leaving the Keys will be given health checks at Mile Marker 106 to make sure they are not showing signs of screwworm. The checkpoint will ensure the parasite does not not move north and infest animals in other parts of the state. It is very important that pet parents comply with requests to to have their fur kids checked at these stops.

If you live in the Keys, or will be visiting there with your pets, be sure to check them daily and thoroughly for any signs of screwworm. Look for any type of wound, even tiny ones, and monitor them for changes. Infested wounds will deepen and enlarge as the the parasites feed. Wounds showing discharge, or giving off an unpleasant odor, should be checked out by a licensed veterinarian immediately.

Are there any home remedies or over-the-counter treatments for screwworm?

Screwworm can only be treated with prescription medications dispensed by a licensed veterinarian. Additionally, an infected pet may have to be sedated for the larvae to be extracted. Because of the risk to humans, this must be done in a setting where controls are in place to ensure the parasites are handled safely. The risk to humans also means veterinarians must assist the USDA in tracking the possible spread of the disease. Confirmed cases of screwworm must be reported to the USDA by your veterinarian. Remember, it’s not just our pets that are at risk, but our wildlife, our food supply, and ourselves.

Is it safe to bring pets to the Keys?

As of this writing, the USDA is not telling pet owners to reconsider bringing animals in or out of the Lower Keys. We chose to leave Grendel at home because for all her spunk and sassiness, she has some health problems. One such problem is a liver condition which makes it harder for her body to handle certain medications. I’m not sure how quickly she would bounce back from a screwworm infection. It is certainly possible we’re being overly cautious (read, neurotic). But the decision we made is the right one for her and for our family. Your veterinarian can help you decide what is best for your pet and your family.

Because while I may not be the Meanest Dog Daddy in the World, there’s a good chance I’m one of the most overprotective. Besides, there’s always next year’s convention.

Sorry, Grendel.

For more information on New World screwworm, please click here to visit the USDA’s website.

Dr. Kupkee is the lead practitioner at Sabal Chase Animal Clinic.

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