ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Board of Animal Health wants to prevent the New World Screwworm from coming to the state.
State Veterinarian Doctor Brian Hoefs says the destructive parasite is in Mexico and can move quickly and unintentionally on animals.
“We’re seeing a lot of people that bring their dogs with them when they’re headed to a vacation spot in Mexico or other places,” Hoefs says. “Pets are susceptible to this parasite as well.”
Hoefs says New World Screwworm larvae feed on living tissue and are looking for warm-blooded creatures.
The USDA closed imports of cattle and horses from Mexico to stop the spread.
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