ODA Watching For NWS In Livestock, Pets

Oregon’s Department of Agriculture is carefully monitoring for New World Screwworm which could lead to fatal infestations for livestock and pets.  State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz says NWS while eradicated from the United States decades ago, it has been slowly moving north again from its native Central America.

“It’s getting a lot of attention again because Mexico just announced a case in the state of Nuevo Leon, which- that case is less than 70 miles from the US border," Scholz said.  "So significantly closer than any other cases we’ve seen in Mexico.”

Scholz says livestock are especially susceptible because so many farm animals move around the country, potentially spreading the pest.  But he said pets are also at risk.

“Dogs and cats travel back and forth between Mexico and the U.S. every day, and we import a lot of dogs into the state of Oregon into rescues that originate in Mexico, southern California and even down in southern Texas, as well.”

Signs of an infestation include wounds that seem to get bigger very quickly and the distinct odor of rotting flesh.  In the event suspect NWS, contact your local vet or the State Veterinarian as soon as possible.

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