Thousands of Dogs, Cats at Risk of Euthanasia Over Screwworm Threat
Summary
A parasite called the New World screwworm, which eats the living flesh of animals, has returned to the U.S., with many cases in southern Texas. To stop its spread, officials have set strict rules about moving animals, disrupting the usual shelter practice of sending pets to other states for adoption and risking higher euthanasia rates in Texas shelters.Key Facts
- The New World screwworm is a fly parasite whose larvae burrow into and eat the flesh of warm-blooded animals like cattle, pets, and occasionally humans.
- The parasite was wiped out in the U.S. decades ago but has recently reappeared near the Texas-Mexico border.
- The outbreak threatens livestock worth over $113 billion and has led to restricted cattle movements across the border.
- Dogs and cats can also get infected, especially if they have wounds or skin injuries.
- Texas shelters usually send many animals to other states due to local overcrowding; nearly 89,000 dogs and 53,000 cats were moved in 2025.
- Quarantines and movement restrictions cover 20-kilometer zones around infection sites to prevent spread.
- Due to movement limits, many shelters face challenges in placing animals for adoption and may have to euthanize more pets.
- 45 states have set rules about animal imports from affected areas; some states now block pets from screwworm zones.
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