Deb D’Andrea

Nederland

My articles are typically written about subjects pertaining to mountain life and our pets, but a recent article I read regarding screwworms caught my eye as the screwworm has resurfaced in Florida after a nearly 50-year absence.

I was interested in this is because one way the screwworm travels is on animals and people who travel from infested areas to their homes; most commonly via imported dogs and horses. On its own, an adult screwworm can travel up to 125 miles prior to laying up to 400 eggs or up to 2,800 eggs in their 10-30 day lifecycle.

So what is a screwworm?

A screwworm is a maggot that burrows into a wound or flesh to feed on live tissue versus typical maggots that feed on dead flesh. They feed for about 5-7 days and then drop off into the soil and pupate, emerging in 3-5 days as a fly and then mate starting the cycle all over again. While they are typically attracted to wounds, they can infest nostrils, sinuses, eyes, mouths, ears, vulva, anus and newborn navels of mammals. The screwworm can be difficult to see as once burrowed in, only the maggots breathing tubes are visible as they ingest the live tissue. The more they feed, the larger and deeper the wound area becomes. If not treated, humans and animals can die from infection or toxicity in 7-14 days.

Once diagnosed, treatment can begin to eliminate the screwworm larvae using larvicides and insecticides while the person or animal are under quarantine. In the Florida Keys officials are feeding endangered deer and some domestic animals on Big Pine Key an antiparasitic drug to combat this flesh-eating maggot. They are hopeful that within six months the screwworm will once again be eradicated.

So if you’re traveling to that area in Florida, be aware and ensure no hitchhikers follow you home! Till next time. Deb D’Andrea, founder of 4TheLuvOfDogz & the Caribou Dog Ranch is recognized by the State of Colorado as a Certified Canine Massage Therapist and will visit your home or Vet to work with your dog. Canine Agility may be offered at the Caribou Dog Ranch in 2017 if there is interest. Deb currently has limited availability for new Petz Nanny Clients; and she bakes up fresh dog treats & doggy birthday cakes per order.  For information contact Deb at 720-675-7078 or email: info@4theluvofdogz.com.