Veterinarians Found No Evidence of New World Screwworm in About 75 Pets Screened for Free on Big Pine Key

Veterinarians Found No Evidence of New World Screwworm in About 75 Pets Screened for Free on Big Pine Key

BIG PINE KEY – Veterinarians found no evidence of New World screwworm in the approximately 75 cats and dogs that were examined Sunday morning during a free screening.

The pets were examined by five veterinarians: Richard Austin with the U.S. Department of Agriculture; Nelly Amador-Jehn and Joe Fisch with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; and Doug Mader, Gerry Diethelm and Giulia Lemos with the Marathon Veterinary Hospital.

During the screening, hosted by the Florida Keys SPCA, pet owners were provided information about the local screwworm infestation that has led to the death of more than 60 endangered Key deer – and the aggressive eradication response by federal and state agencies. The veterinarians also explained what pet owners can do to keep their pets safe.

New World screwworm are fly larvae (maggots) that can infest warm-blooded animals. The larvae most often enter an animal through an open wound and feed on the animal’s living flesh.

Signs of screwworm in a pet:

• Wounds infested with maggots
• Blood tinged discharge from wound and a foul odor
• Discomfort
• Decreased appetite

If detected and treated early, pets will fully recover. If you suspect your pet may have screwworm, contact your veterinarian immediately.

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