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The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has activated an emergency operations center after the new world worm was found in Texas and New Mexico.
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The US Food and Drug Administration has approved an over-the-counter drug for the treatment of hookworm infections in dogs and cats
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Although human cases are rare, the parasite can infect humans through open wounds
TUESDAY, June 16, 2026 (NewsDay News) – Federal health officials are being mobilized against the new world worm, a flesh-eating parasite recently discovered in animals in the southwestern United States.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has activated an emergency operations center to coordinate its response. The agency is supporting the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Texas health officials after the parasite was found in animals in southern Texas and in one New Mexico county.
As of June 11, the USDA reports 12 cases of screwworm in domestic animals, including sheep, cattle and goats.
The New World hookworm is a fly maggot that lays its eggs in open wounds or pores on the body of mammals. The eggs hatch within hours and the maggots burrow into living flesh, a notoriously painful infection. miaz.
The parasite mainly threatens livestock, domestic animals and wild animals, but can infect humans. So far, no human cases have been reported in the United States, and the CDC says the risk to the public remains low. In areas where flies are active, the risk to humans and animals is greater.
There is also reliable information about how it spreads. The parasite “cannot spread from animal to animal, animal to human, or human to human,” the CDC said. Infection occurs only when flies lay eggs directly in a wound or opening.
The same day the CDC stepped up its response, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared a new program. treatment for affected animals.
The agency has granted an emergency use permit for the generic nitenpyram tablets for the treatment of chicken pox in dogs, puppies, cats and kittens.
It is the first generic veterinary drug approved against the parasite.
The drug is sold in pharmacies in two sizes, depending on the weight of the animal. It works quickly and kills most worms within hours. Pet owners should give the second dose six hours after the first. However, the drug is short-acting, so it won’t prevent future infections, according to the FDA.
Since the plaques do not kill the larvae, the vet may need to remove any that remain.
“Generic Animal Medicines creates stability in our domestic supply chain and plays an important role in expanding the US veterinary medicine portfolio for new world worms,” he said. Timothy Schelldirector of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine. “By approving this generic treatment, the FDA reinforces our commitment to providing timely and affordable options to protect pet health for American pet owners.”
The FDA advises owners to consult a veterinarian for wound care and prevention of reinfection. Pet owners should not give this medication to pets weighing less than 2 pounds or less than 4 weeks of age.
The new world worm has been eradicated in the United States before, and CDC officials say they plan to do so again. Doctors and veterinarians in affected areas are urged to watch for signs of infection and report suspected cases to public health or animal health authorities.
More information
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more information New world worm infestation.
Sources: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12 June 2026; US Food and Drug Administration, 11 June 2026; US Department of Agriculture, 11 June 2026
What does this mean for you?
People with pets or livestock in south Texas or New Mexico should check the animals closely for injuries and ask their veterinarian about new treatments.
