The New World screwworm outbreak in the United States has grown to 20 confirmed cases, up from 15 reported earlier this week, with nearly all detections concentrated in Texas and one additional case in New Mexico.
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed the updated count as of June 25, reports Newsweek.
Multiple cases have been recorded in Terrell and Edwards counties in Texas, with additional detections in Zavala, La Salle, and Medina counties.
The Texas Animal Health Commission has established formal quarantine zones covering Bandera, Edwards, Kerr, and Zavala counties.
All warm-blooded animals in those areas must be inspected and certified before being moved.
The federal government has also announced approximately $105 million in funding for detection, control, and eradication efforts.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins attended a June 11 event in La Pryor, Texas, where sterile screwworm flies were released as part of the eradication strategy.
Nevada has no confirmed cases.
However, Las Vegas dog owners who plan to travel through Arizona or New Mexico this summer should check their dogs carefully for unexplained wounds, unusual odors, or signs of larvae, particularly around the ears, eyes, nose, and any existing injuries.
As previously reported, the FDA authorized generic Nitenpyram tablets as an over-the-counter treatment for screwworm in dogs and cats.
Dog owners who believe their pet may have an infestation should contact a veterinarian before administering any treatment, as larvae must also be physically removed to fully clear an infestation.
The USDA maintains a live case tracker at screwworm.gov.
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