Are My Animals at Risk for Screwworms in El Paso?
Posted by Mosquito Squad Plus
June 17, 2026
With recently confirmed cases in Texas and New Mexico, there’s growing concern about New World screwworm.
If you own livestock, horses, outdoor dogs or cats, or other animals, you have probably heard about the reemergence of screwworm. This is a very important question for animal owners across the Borderland.
In short, your animals could be at risk, especially if they have open wounds, like bites, scratches, or surgical sites. However, facts are far more important than fear. Understanding what New World screwworm (NWS) is, how it might affect animals, and the steps that can be taken to allay potential infection can help us all respond calmly and proactively.
What Is New World Screwworm?
New World screwworm, also abbreviated as NWS, is a parasitic fly. The inherent danger of this fly concerns its larvae (maggots), which can infest the wounds of animals. NWS can affect livestock, pets, and wildlife. Much less commonly, screwworm can affect humans. The last reported case in the United States, was in August 2025 – when a Maryland resident was infected after traveling abroad to El Salvador. This travel-related infection was the first confirmed case in the U.S. in decades.
Different from other common flies, which are largely a nuisance, these flies are highly attracted to open wounds. If a screwworm infestation is not addressed quickly, it can cause serious harm.
Has Screwworm Been Found Near El Paso?
In June 2026, a Texas cattle case of screwworm infestation prompted the USDA to confirm the presence of NWS. Since that time, additional cases have been reported, including a pet dog in Lea County New Mexico (about 100 miles from Las Cruces).
The regional response includes Texas and New Mexico, which matters for El Paso residents. The time for vigilance is now for anyone living in El Paso, Hudspeth, and Culberson counties in Texas, as well as New Mexico counties. While those with livestock, horses, outdoor pets, or who live on properties with persistent fly issues, should remain alert, this does not mean that every property has screwworm.
Which Animals Carry the Highest Risk for NWS?
Warm-blooded outdoor animals might be vulnerable, but some should be especially observant. Cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and other livestock are at the most risk, because they are at the most risk of injury during typical activity, such as wounds from fencing and bites. Ranches and equestrian facilities must be cautions, especially after farrier work or veterinary procedures, as well as injuries or insect bites.
Pet owners should also be watchful, as the New Mexico case involving a residential dog brings relevance beyond ranches and large ag operations. Working dogs, outdoor dogs and cats, and pets that spend time around livestock areas should be checked regularly.
What Can El Paso Property Owners Do Now?
There are a few important factors to consider in the wake of regional cases of NWS for El Paso property and animal owners. Diagnosis and treatment of New World screwworm must be addressed with veterinarians.
For matters of property protection, Mosquito Squad Plus of El Paso offers highly-targeted outdoor pest control to aid in the reduction of fly pressure. We offer a full on-site property assessment and evaluation, customizable plans, monitoring, and recurring service for ongoing protection. Proactive pest control in El Paso is ideal, but if you’re seeing high fly activity already, action is not only recommended, but essential.
Where Do We Offer Fly Control Services?
Mosquito Squad Plus is much more than just an El Paso mosquito control company. We proudly serve the following areas and beyond with highly effective pest control solutions:
- Anthony Fly Control
- Canutillo Fly Control
- Clint Fly Control
- Fabens Fly Control
- Fort Bliss Fly Control
- Horizon City Fly Control
- San Elizario Fly Control
- Socorro Fly Control
- Tornillo Fly Control
Search for El Paso pest control and call Mosquito Squad Plus.
Mosquito Squad Plus is ready to serve you with effective pest control in El Paso, as well as mosquito and tick control, vector control, and a variety of outdoor pest control services, including commercial mosquito control .
Get in touch with Mosquito Squad Plus today by filling out our form online or calling us at (915) 800-0343 for a free pest assessment and quote.
