By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – A New World screwworm case has been confirmed in Pima County, bringing Arizona’s total confirmd cases to seven.
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According to the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA), the case was identified near Tucson in a domesticated horse with no known history of travel.
The Pima County Health Department and Pima Animal Care Center are aware of the confirmed case and has issued this statement below:
“The identification of the first New World Screwworm animal case in Pima County is concerning, but the risk to humans remains low,” said Dr. Theresa Cullen, Health Department director. “We are coordinating with our state health and agricultural partners and will continue to keep residents informed as more information becomes available.”
Cullen said recommendations for livestock, pets, and humans are similar: “Individuals with open, draining, or non-healing wounds should seek medical attention promptly, especially if they notice signs of insect infestation such as visible maggots,” she said. “We encourage residents to seek medical care for wounds that are not healing properly and to follow guidance from public health and animal health officials.”
In addition to keeping an eye on wounds, scratches, or recent surgery incisions, health officials also recommend: Keeping open wounds clean and covered, despite their size and location on the body.
People can also protect their skin by using an EPA-registered insect repellent and wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants, hats, and socks to limit access to the body.
The people and pets most at risk are the ones with conditions that make wounds difficult to heal.
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PACC has protocols in place and is actively placing dogs at the shelter on Silverbell and the Eastside PACC Adoption Center (EPAC) on preventative medications, so that potential adopters can still visit both locations to adopt this weekend and can attend the planned Fall Festival event at the Silverbell location on Sunday, Nov. 15.
Steve Kozachik, PACC director, says “We want to assure the members of the public who are considering adding a fur member to their family that PACC is on top of the concerns over new world screwworm,” he said. “We’re pre-treating every dog that’s adopted from the shelter, and we absolutely look forward to seeing you on Sunday for what is one of our biggest adoptions events of the year.” The shelter is diligently inspecting all pets in their care and has not seen any signs of NWS at any of their facilities. PACC also continues to see a high census of medium-to-large dogs and is hoping a big crowd will increase adoptions or fosters this weekend.
What to do if you spot a maggot on a wound in a pet or livestock animal: Place the maggot(s) in a jar and fill it with isopropyl alcohol and call your vet.
What to do if you spot a maggot in a wound on a human being: Contact PCHD: (520) 724-7797[email protected]
A press conference via Zoom is set for Monday, November 16th at 5:30 p.m. Pima County residents can find the Zoom link here.
Current information regarding the NWS situation in Arizona, including new cases and detailed maps, can be found in the updated map online.
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For previous coverage on New World screwworm in Arizona, click here.