Flesh-Eating Screwworm Found in New Mexico Family’s Dog

Pet Advocacy Network Calls for Passage of Federal Farm Bill With Healthy Dog Provision to Help Prevent Spread of Disease

Washington, DC – Today, the Pet Advocacy Network (PAN), an association representing the responsible pet care community, urged the Senate to pass a Farm Bill with the Healthy Dog Importation Act (HDIA). The call comes in the wake of the first USDA-confirmed case of New World screwworm infecting a family dog, underlining the need for more stringent government oversight of imported pets. 

New World screwworm flies lay eggs in the flesh of animals. When the eggs hatch, the larvae consume the flesh of the host animal before turning into flies and repeating the cycle. While to date, much of the news around New World screwworm has focused on its potential impact on beef cattle, the insect can lay eggs in any animal, including pets and humans. 

The Healthy Dog Importation Act (HDIA) increases health regulations for the more than 1 million dogs brought into the country every year. Dogs imported from Mexico, China, or other countries are at risk of carrying a variety of diseases including distemper, rabies, and parvovirus. These ailments could spread to other pets, livestock, or even humans with devastating effect. 

“Flesh-eating parasites like New World Screwworm are one of many zoonotic diseases that can affect both our family pets and their owners,” said Alyssa Miller-Hurley, vice president of government affairs for PAN. “Congress needs to ensure that dogs entering the U.S. have basic health standards to protect both animals and people.” 

The HDIA is also endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the National Animal Interest Alliance, and the American Kennel Club. In April, the House of Representatives passed a Farm Bill that included the HDIA. The Senate Agriculture Committee is expected to release its version of the Farm Bill this month.