Better Laws for Kansas Paws TM
Kansas Continues Response Plan for New World Screwworm
Make Sure Your Pets Open Wounds are Covered
On June 3, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed the detection of a New World screwworm (NWS) in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas. There has not been a confirmed case in Kansas at this time, and the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health is actively working in alignment with the USDA’s established strategies to respond to a confirmation of NWS in the U.S., including restrictions on animal movement from the infested zone.
The best way to protect your pets from any issues:
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Wound Care: Properly clean, dress, and monitor any minor scratch, cut, or surgical incision. Female flies are drawn to wound discharges and body secretions.
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Limit Exposure: Avoid travel to infested areas or regions where active outbreaks are occurring, such as the U.S.-Mexico border or parts of Latin America.
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Professional Intervention: If you find a wound with what appears to be maggots, do not attempt to treat it yourself. Visit your local veterinarian immediately to remove the larvae and test for NWS.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture sent out a news release on June 3, 2026, access it here.
United States Department of Agriculture has put out a fact sheet on NWS, access it here.