# New World Screwworm Detected in Arizona Dog

> Arizona confirms first U.S. case of flesh-eating New World screwworm in dog as infestations spread.
- Title: New World Screwworm Detected in Arizona Dog · Newsweek
- Summary: Arizona confirms first U.S. case of flesh-eating New World screwworm in dog as infestations spread. Arizona reports first confirmed New World screwworm case…
- Keywords: new world screwworm, arizona, usda, dog, infestation, cattle, elk, maggots, wound, texas, new mexico, us border
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/flesh-eating-new-world-screwworm-detected-in-arizona-dog-as-cases-spread-12634753
- Published: 2026-10-29T15:25:22+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: new world screwworm, arizona, usda, dog, infestation, cattle, elk, maggots, wound, texas, new mexico, us border
## First Confirmed Case in Arizona
Arizona confirmed its first New World screwworm case in a dog on October 28.

> We have been preparing for this possibility for a long while and are acting swiftly.
## USDA Confirms Detection
The USDA identified New World screwworm in samples from the dog in Cochise County, Arizona.
## Infestation Timeline
First confirmed U.S. animal case in Texas on June 3, with cases spreading to New Mexico and Arizona by October.
## Current Outbreak Status
71 confirmed animal cases nationwide since June, with 18 active cases across Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
## FDA Emergency Authorization
The FDA authorized Bimectin to prevent New World screwworm infestations in cattle within 24 hours of birth.
## First Wildlife Case
New World screwworm detected in an elk in Texas on October 21, marking the first U.S. wildlife case.
## Arizona Response Plan
Arizona established a 20-kilometer infested zone and implemented animal movement controls to contain the outbreak.
## Pet Owner Guidance
Pet owners should inspect animals daily for wounds, maggots, or lesions and report suspected cases to veterinarians.
## CDC Public Health Note
The CDC reported no human infestations in the U.S. during the current outbreak, with over 209,400 animal cases in Central America and Mexico.
## What to Watch For
Signs of infestation include draining wounds, maggots, unusual discomfort, and lesions around body openings.
## Key takeaway

Arizona reports first confirmed New World screwworm case in a dog, part of a U.S.-Mexico border outbreak with 71 confirmed animal cases nationwide.