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June 8, 2026: The flesh-eating parasite known as the screwworm has ripped its way through Florida, Texas and New Mexico, and now the fierce little predator is causing nationwide concerns for cats, dogs, livestock, food supplies, and humans.

ABOVE: Prevention and awareness. The screwworm is traveling the U.S.A. Here's how to deal with it in your state.

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced new cases of screwworm infestation, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed New Mexico's first case, in a dog.

"These developments obviously represent a serious threat to our livestock and wildlife, but they have not caught us off guard. We have been tracking this pest for a long time. We have fought it off before and we will do so again,” said Rollins.

The screwworm is mainly a danger to dogs that live near livestock, ranches or farms with sheep, cattle and grain silos. However, if your dog plays at a dog park, you don't know where the other dogs have been. The screwworm has been identified in Florida, Texas and New Mexico, and that means it's headed for other states, including California, Washington and Oregon.

Pet owners should talk to their veterinarian, and get an update on the latest, most effective flea and tick medications.

When you're with your dog, petting or grooming him, give him a visual once-over. Watch for unusual drowsiness, sluggishness and fever (does she feel hot when you pet her?), and foul odors. Examine your pet's eyes, back, paws, nose and mouth for cough, discharge, glassy or rolling eyes, sores, cuts and scrapes. Even a tiny scrape can be hiding screwworms and their eggs and larvae.

If you suspect a screwworm on your pet or someone else's, do NOT attempt to remove it yourself. Call your veterinarian immediately. You may be asked to report the incident to state animal authorities.

Prevention is key. There are flea and tick medications that can stop screwworm in your pet before it starts.

June 8, 2026; updated June 9, 2026

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Sources:

• Texas Governor Greg Abbott

• KCEN News: "U.S. screwworm case count rises to five"

• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

• U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins

• WLUJ Fox11 (Texas)

• WFAA: "A flesh-eating cattle parasite..."

• LiveNow From Fox: "New cases of screwworm"

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