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For Community Cat Caregivers

New World Screwworm: Guidance for Community Cat Caregivers

Community cat caregivers can play an important role in the early detection of New World screwworm (NWS). Although unowned animals may not receive regular hands-on examinations, routine veterinary care, or parasite preventatives, caregivers are often the first to notice new injuries or changes in behavior. As such, regular observation and prompt action when a wound is identified can help prevent serious infestations and protect the health of the entire colony.

Here’s what that means for community cats and what those who care for them can do right now.

What is it?

Unlike most flies whose larvae (maggots) feed on dead tissue, NWS larvae burrow into open wounds on living animals, causing severe damage that can be fatal if untreated. The pest was eradicated from the U.S. in 1966, but its return to border states warrants attention.

No need to panic — but those who care for community cats should remain vigilant:

What should you watch for?

Adult NWS flies can lay hundreds of eggs in even minor wounds or where there are mucus membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, or anus); therefore, during regular feedings, watch for changes in cats’ behavior and appearance. Pay close attention to cats with:

    • Bite wounds from fighting
    • Recent trap-neuter-return (TNR) surgery incisions
    • Skin infections or abscesses
    • Ear injuries
    • Cuts, scrapes, or other open wounds
    • Eye discharge or drainage
    • Mouth pain, difficulty eating, or refusing to eat

    Especially watch wounds that:

    • Worsen quickly
    • Develop a foul odor
    • Become swollen or irritated
    • Contain visible fly larvae (maggots)

Why are community cats at a higher risk?

Community cats may be more vulnerable because they:

    • Experience injuries more frequently
    • May not receive immediate veterinary care
    • Often are not receiving routine parasite preventatives

Therefore, pay particular attention to:

    • Tom cats after fighting
    • Queens after giving birth
    • Cats recovering from TNR surgery
    • Cats with visible wounds or skin disease
    • Cats with unusual drainage coming from the eyes, nose, mouth, genitals, or anus

What should you do?

If you observe a cat with a concerning wound:

✓ Safely trap the cat, if possible.

✓ Seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

✓ Continue observing the rest of the colony, especially any cats with wounds.

✓ Report any additional animals with similar signs to your veterinary partner or local animal health officials, if directed.

What other resources are available?

Additional educational resources:

Remember: Observe. Identify. Act.

Stay vigilant, not alarmed: NWS is not spread from healthy animal to healthy animal. 

The parasite requires an open wound or access to a mucous membrane (such as the eyes, nose, mouth, or anus) to establish an infestation, making routine observation and early wound care the most effective tools for protecting community cats.

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