A flesh-eating parasite has been detected in a dog in Arizona, marking the state's first confirmed case of New World screwworm as infestations continue to be reported across the U.S.-Mexico border region. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed the case in Cochise County, Arizona, on Wednesday, after laboratory testing identified New World screwworm in samples taken from the animal. A local veterinarian examined the dog on the evening of October 26 and found a wound on its back heavily infested with maggots, according to the Arizona Department of Agriculture.
New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, and infestations can cause severe wounds and significant harm if they are not identified and treated promptly. The latest case is Arizona's first detection of the parasite, as New World screwworm was last eradicated from the United States in 1966, as per the Texas Animal Health Commission. The affected dog is receiving veterinary care, while state and federal authorities coordinate a response to contain the infestation.
The Arizona detection brings the number of states reporting confirmed animal cases in the current outbreak to three, following earlier detections in Texas and New Mexico. The USDA reported 71 confirmed animal cases nationwide since June as of October 28, with 18 remaining active, and detections spanning Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. The USDA confirmed the first animal case of New World screwworm in the United States during the current outbreak on June 3 this year, marking the parasite's return after its previous eradication.
The infestation was found in a calf in Zavala County, Texas, according to the Texas Animal Health Commission. The calf has since recovered, and the individual case is now classified as inactive, but the detection came as the parasite spread into Texas and New Mexico, raising concerns about the potential impact on the U.S. cattle industry. The Trump administration has faced criticism from some ranchers, animal health experts and industry observers over separate decisions to reopen portions of the U.S.-Mexico cattle trade while outbreaks remain active on both sides of the border.
Federal officials have also authorized additional measures to help protect livestock. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization for Bimectin, a generic ivermectin injection, to help prevent New World screwworm infestations in cattle. The authorization allows the drug to be administered within 24 hours of birth, during castration procedures, or when animals develop wounds that could attract screwworm flies.
It was the FDA's 14th emergency authorization related to the parasite since officials intensified their response to the outbreak. Texas has reported cases across livestock premises and counties, according to the Texas Animal Health Commission, and authorities have been monitoring affected areas and implementing measures to limit the parasite's spread. Official orders published by the Texas Animal Health Commission documented detections in a goat in Terrell County on June 22, a bovine in Brewster County on July 9, a sheep in Pecos County on July 14 and cattle in Starr County on July 18.
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