Decatur Veterinary Clinic

🪰 NEW WORLD SCREWWORM ALERT 🪰

You may have heard recent news about the New World Screwworm, a serious parasite that can affect livestock, pets, wildlife, and other warm-blooded animals.

What is it?
The New World Screwworm is the larval (maggot) stage of a fly. Unlike common maggots that feed on dead tissue, screwworm larvae feed on living tissue, causing painful wounds that can rapidly become severe if left untreated.

How do animals get it?
Adult flies are attracted to open wounds, surgical incisions, tick bites, navels of newborn animals, and other skin injuries. The flies lay eggs in these areas, and once the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the tissue and begin feeding.

Signs to watch for:
🔹 Wounds that suddenly worsen
🔹 Foul odor from a wound
🔹 Drainage or bleeding
🔹 Swelling and irritation
🔹 Visible larvae (maggots) in the wound
🔹 Animals excessively licking or bothering an area

How is it treated?
Treatment requires prompt veterinary care, please do not try to deal with it yourself. Veterinarians are to work closely with the state for positive identification and tracking of these parasites. The larvae must be removed, the wound thoroughly cleaned, and medications may be needed to prevent infection and promote healing. Early detection is extremely important.

Prevention is the best protection! We have products here in stock to keep your animals safe!
✔️ Promptly treat wounds and injuries
✔️ Keep animals on recommended fly/flea/tick control products
✔️ Monitor surgical sites and healing wounds closely
✔️ Check livestock, pets, and newborn animals regularly

We understand that the recent news surrounding New World Screwworm can be concerning for pet owners and livestock producers alike. Please know that our team is here to help you navigate this evolving situation.

We are actively monitoring updates regarding confirmed cases, prevention recommendations, treatment options, and animal travel requirements. For clients traveling with animals, we are also keeping a close eye on any state-to-state movement restrictions or health requirements that may be implemented.

When we share information with our community, we rely on reputable and authoritative sources, including the USDA, FDA, Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), and other veterinary and animal health experts. Our goal is to provide accurate, up-to-date information so you can make informed decisions to protect your animals.

If you have questions or concerns about your pets, livestock, upcoming travel plans, fly control products, or wound management, please don't hesitate to give us a call at 940-627-2158 or stop by. We're committed to helping keep your animals healthy, protected, and safe. ❤️🐾

🇺🇸💙❤️🤍💙❤️🤍💙❤️🤍💙❤️🤍🇺🇸

UPDATE: OWNER HAS BEEN FOUND AND THIS SWEET GUY IS NOW REUNITED WITH HIS FAMILY! Thank you all for the help!

🚨 Found Dog – Decatur, TX 🚨

We had a good Samaritan that found a tan male French Bulldog near the QT in Decatur. He’s a very sweet guy and seems like he’s just trying to find his way back home.

He is currently safe at the clinic. If you or someone you know is missing him, please reach out as soon as possible!

Let’s help this little guy get back to his family ❤️

📣 Notice to Our Livestock Clients 🐴🐮🐷

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we will not be able to process cattle, horses, sheep, and goats today (Friday, April 10th) or tomorrow (Saturday, April 11th).

We’re truly sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding.

We’ll be back to normal operations on Monday, April 13th, and look forward to taking care of you then.