What Austin Pet Owners Should Know About Screwworm

Antiquated as it might sound, here in 2026, Texas health officials are paying close attention to screwworm.

New World screwworm was recently confirmed in our state, and though the main concern is focused on livestock, screwworm can also affect pets and wildlife. Rarely, it might even affect humans.

For pet owners throughout the Austin area, the key takeaway about the resurgence of screwworm is that we should not panic. But we should be aware.

What Is Screwworm?

New World screwworm (or NWS) is a type of parasitic fly. Unlike typical larvae, as in maggots, screwworm larvae feed on living tissue. Female flies are highly attracted to cuts, sores, bites, or other types of skin openings, in which they lay eggs. Once hatched, the larvae begin to feed and can cause serious damage to the live tissue if the infestation goes untreated – or is not treated quickly.

This is obviously a concern for ranchers, veterinarians, animal health officials – and pet owners – across Texas.

Is Screwworm a Concern in Austin?

While Austin isn’t a rural ranching community as much as other parts of the state, but Central Texas has its share of outdoor pets, wildlife, livestock – and greenbelts, creeks, trails, and acreage to support them. While screwworm might not be ranked as a top-of-mind concern, it’s imperative that we have the knowledge and awareness to be on the lookout. This is true for anyone across the Austin area with backyard chickens, horses, goats, or outside pets, like dogs and cats.

If any of your animals have wounds, including surgical sites, skin irritation or infection, or any other type of broken skin, there are things to look out for to indicate possible screwworm.

• Wound not healing or looking worse than expected
• Wound has a discharge or gives off an odor
• Wound has movement that looks like it might be infested with larvae

How Can You Help Protect Your Pets?

The best next step is to maintain a good animal care routine. Be sure to check your pets after they return from time outdoors, especially if they have any type of open wound. If they do have a wound, keep it clean and covered when outdoors if possible. Don’t ignore scratches or sores that seem to linger too long.

Another smart step is to reduce pest pressure around your yard, including mosquitoes, ticks and fleas, as well as other biting pests that could contribute to skin lesions. Fly control would also be wise. Mosquito Squad Plus of Austin offers highly effective general pest control solutions for all these and more.

Search for outdoor pest control and call Mosquito Squad Plus.

Mosquito Squad of Austin is a trusted outdoor pest control provider serving the Greater Austin area, including, Pflugerville, Great Hills, Travis Heights, Northwest Hills, Round Rock, and beyond.

At Mosquito Squad of Austin, our goal is your complete satisfaction. That’s why we offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee!

Call Mosquito Squad of Austin at (512) 488-5331 or submit our online form to schedule your pest control assessment and quote.

Also read: How to Keep Pests Out of Your Garden