The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed two additional cases of New World Screwworm in the United States on Monday, June 8, in a calf and a dog. The dog, located in Andrews County, had recently traveled to Mexico, according to the USDA. That brings the total number of confirmed cases in Texas to four.

The parasite is not a typical fly. Unlike common maggots that feed on dead tissue, the New World Screwworm targets living flesh. Its larvae burrow into warm-blooded animals — and in rare cases, humans — through open wounds, or around sensitive areas including the eyes, ears and genitalia.

Dr. Gary Gosney, a veterinarian at Temple Veterinary Hospital Medical and Surgical Center, first encountered the parasite as a student at Texas A&M in the 1960s, during the original U.S. screwworm outbreak. He said researchers ultimately eradicated it by releasing sterile male flies, causing females to lay eggs that never hatched.

Gosney says the threat is real, but manageable.

"It's only one case, and there are millions upon millions of dogs in Texas," Gosney said. "I wouldn't get too worried. I would take normal precautions. If you have a high population of flies, keep the dogs inside, use pest control on them such as flea and tick spray."

Gosney also says pet owners have one key advantage over ranchers: proximity. Because owners spend more time indoors and up close with their pets, they are more likely to catch a wound early, before larvae can cause serious damage.

If you notice a sore on your pet that appears to contain maggots, Gosney says get to a veterinarian immediately. The condition is treatable when caught in time.

As for the bigger picture, Gosney is cautiously optimistic. Because the U.S. has eradicated the parasite before, he believes officials are better equipped to respond this time around.

"This is not gonna be the COVID of pets," he said.

The USDA is actively monitoring the situation. Pet owners with concerns should contact their veterinarian.