Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, provides a timeline of New World screwworm's spread

As it nears the border, an expert explains how screwworm really spreads and what it means for the US

How far can the New World screwworm really fly? And does its latest detection in Mexico mean it’s on the verge of entering the US? In this 

 update, Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, breaks down the parasite’s movement timeline and explains what government agencies are doing in response.

 I'm Christopher Lee. How fast and how far can the New World screwworm really fly? 

 has been reported to travel as far as 125 miles during its short 1- to 2-week lifespan.

With the September 21, 2025, report of a case in Nuevo León, [Mexico], 

 from the US border, you may wonder: Does that mean that this parasite will be in the US within a week?

The answer is likely no. [Although] their long-distance potential is real, most adult screwworms fly only a few miles—usually less than 10—searching for hosts to lay their eggs in. They are not strategizing about the US-Mexico border; they're simply looking for their next wound or opening in the skin.

Still, the parasites’ progress north has been undeniable, and history tells the story.

 Panama declared a state of emergency. Just days later, Costa Rica followed suit.

 Every Central American nation had identified cases of screwworm.

 Screwworm larvae were discovered in a cow at the Mexico-Guatemala border crossing, approximately 700 miles south of Texas.

 A detection [was reported] in Veracruz, approximately 370 miles south of the US border.

 [A screwworm case was reported in] Nuevo León, only 70 miles from Texas.

This steady northward march paints a clear picture.

Most screwworm migration does not come from adult flies making heroic flights northward. Instead, it comes from the movement of infested animals—cattle, deer, wildlife—and yes, even in rare cases, people. Wherever the animal goes, the parasite goes with them.

Well, the US government is doing quite a lot

Active deployment of novel traps and lures to detect screwworms early.

 at Moore Air Force Base in Edinburg, Texas, capable of producing 300 million sterile flies every week.

Expansion of border surveillance, including USDA [US Department of Agriculture] Tick Riders on horseback patrolling ranch lands and wildlife corridors.

Close collaboration with [the National Service of Agro-Alimentary Public Health, Safety, and Quality] in Mexico to help contain outbreaks before they reach [the US] border.

Rigorous inspection of livestock and carcasses by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service to safeguard the food supply.

I mean, if screwworms seem destined to cross the US border, should we be doing all this? Absolutely. Every day gained [and] every outbreak slowed buys us time—time to strengthen surveillance, to prevent and eradicate, and to save animal and human lives.

Eradication, once this parasite enters, will not happen overnight. Vigilance and preparation will determine how much damage it causes later.

Stay informed, stay vigilant, and remember: What you know today protects everybody tomorrow.

FDA conditionally approves drug to treat and prevent screwworm in cattle

USDA announces sweeping plans to protect the United States from New World screwworm. News release. US Department of Agriculture. August 15, 2025. Accessed October 1, 2025. 

https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/08/15/usda-announces-sweeping-plans-protect-united-states-new-world-screwworm

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Most adult screwworms travel less than 10 miles to find a host. The greater risk comes from the movement of cattle, deer, and other hosts, explained Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, in this Vet Watch update.

  As screwworm nears the border, an expert explains how it spreads and what it means for the US

Did you know that 50% of domestic violence survivors report that they would not consider shelter for themselves if they couldn't take their pet with them?

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and a chance to show support for domestic violence survivors and their families, including their four-legged members. RedRover has helped domestic violence survivors and their pets seek safety together since 2007 through grants that provide temporary boarding while a survivor is in a shelter that doesn’t accept pets, and grants that allow a domestic violence shelter to transform into a pet-friendly space.

In honor of DVAM, RedRover is launching a virtual webinar series with special guest speakers to hear unique perspectives on the link between domestic violence and animal abuse, the power of the human-animal bond, pet-friendly sheltering, and how the veterinary community can help support people and pets in crisis.

Let’s Talk Connection: People, Pets, and Community Wellbeing

Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 11 AM - 12 PM PST on Zoom

RedRover will be joined by Stacey Zeitlin, Vice President for Community Impact at San Diego Humane Society, and Sarah Reidenbach, DVM, CEO and lead veterinarian for Ruthless Kindness, a non-profit mobile veterinary clinic serving Sonoma County. Together they’ll discuss how animal welfare groups and veterinary providers can make a big impact on human health and wellbeing.

How Pet-Friendly Sheltering Expands Beyond Your Walls

Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 11 AM - 12 PM. PST on Zoom

In this one-hour session, RedRover will be joined by staff from Safe Voices, a pet-inclusive domestic violence resource center based in Maine. Learn how pet-friendly sheltering can positively impact an agency through donor connections, staff morale, earned media, and—of course—improved safety and quality of life for survivors.

Wear purple on Purple Thursday, October 16, 2025, to show your support

Add a purple ribbon to your professional and/or social media pages

Become a RedRover Responders volunteer for a chance to participate in a DV shelter transformation

Organize clothing, food, and/or a pet supplies drive for a local domestic violence shelter

Support your local domestic violence shelter’s “wish list”

Visit 25by2025.org and join the pet-friendly movement

Support RedRover + Purina’s Purple Leash Project to help more domestic violence shelters become pet-friendly. Purina will match 100% of donations made to RedRover in support of Purple Leash Project, up to $500,000 through 12/31/2025.

Like and share social media posts about DVAM and the “link.” A few organizations to consider following on social media:

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)

DomesticShelters.org: Includes a comprehensive database for domestic violence shelters with pet-friendly programs

How Students Can Support Pets and People in Crisis

Friday, October 24, 2025, 11 AM - 12 PM. PST on Zoom

Join RedRover and the National Academies of Practice for a special presentation on supporting domestic violence survivors and pets. In this 2-hour session, students will explore the interconnections between domestic violence, pets, and healthcare, with a focus on social work and veterinary medicine. Participants will leave this training prepared to support people and pets in crisis during their schooling and in their communities. This opportunity is open to all, but the content is suited for students pursuing degrees in social work, veterinary medicine, and public health.

The Survivor’s Story That Sparked Linus’ Pet Haven

Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 11 AM - 12 PM. PST on Zoom

Discover the story behind Linus’ Pet Haven, Minnesota Twin Cities first co-sheltering program for survivors and their pets. In this one-hour session, survivor and advocate Candice Amundson will share how her own experience—facing the impossible choice between safety and staying with her dog—sparked a movement that transformed Alexandra House into a model for shelters nationwide.

Another learning opportunity will go live on October 14 through our Don’t Forget the Pets collaborative project with Greater Good Charities - Supporting Pets and People in Crisis for Veterinary Professionals!This new on-demand training course is focused on the role that veterinary providers play in supporting domestic violence survivors and their pets. Veterinary professionals will learn how to recognize signs of potential abuse, understand the importance of community collaboration, and uncover new ways to support local pet housing programs. You can access this training on October 14 through Don't Forget the Pets' Online Learning Portal.

To register for any of these sessions visit RedRover’s website. We hope you can join us in supporting survivors and their pets during DVAM, and beyond.

PALS Report and Survey Domestic Violence and Pets: Breaking Barriers to Safety and Healing. Urban Resource Institute and National Domestic Violence Hotline. May 2021. https://urinyc.org/palsreport/

Articles

RedRover highlights the vital connection between domestic violence survivors and their pets, offering support through webinars and resources during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Supporting survivors and pets during Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Last month, toxicology experts with Pet Poison Helpline helped save a Pomeranian who tested positive for cocaine, amphetamines, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the psychoactive compound in marijuana. The dog, named Rocky, was exposed to the drugs at a music festival.

“...we received a call from a mother who picked her daughter up from a music festival and decided to bring the daughter’s Pomeranian named Rocky along for the ride,” Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, a senior veterinary toxicologist and director of veterinary medicine at Pet Poison Helpline, said in a Pet Poison Helpline release.

“The festival had a very clear no-pets policy, which is why the daughter had not taken Rocky with her to the outdoor event.”

According to Pet Poison Helpline, Rocky accompanied the mother when she picked up her daughter. While the daughter finished packing, Rocky began exploring nearby campsites.

Rocky after drug exposure. (Image courtesy of Pet Poison Helpline)

After a few minutes of roaming, the Pomeranian began vomiting, said Schmid. The daughter reportedly took him home for a nap, but later noticed he wasn’t sleeping normally, so she brought him to a veterinary hospital, where Pet Poison Helpline was contacted for help.

In cats and dogs, THC poisoning can cause a dazed expression, glassy eyes, incoordination, slow response times, dribbling urine, vomiting, drooling, changes in heart rate, vocalization, neurological stimulation, hyperactivity, or coma.

According to Pet Poison Helpline, clinical signs may appear within minutes to hours, depending on the route of exposure.

When it comes to cocaine, a small amount of the drug is enough to cause poisoning. Animals in the early stages of cocaine poisoning may exhibit hyperactivity, dilated pupils, twitches or tremors, and seizures, with death also possible.

Amphetamine poisoning, meanwhile, can cause severe clinical signs affecting the central nervous, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems. Symptoms include

“The hospital’s medical team, working in conjunction with Pet Poison Helpline toxicology experts, developed an aggressive treatment plan that saved Rocky’s life,” Schmid said.

 “In fact, we’re using this case to launch our new 

 promotional campaign, because everyone involved in the process had a hand in saving him.”

campaign is a new initiative designed to highlight real cases in which the organization helped save pets from potentially life-threatening exposures. It will feature tradeshow materials, social media content showcasing these stories, and will build on the organization’s existing educational 

“The pet owner was observant and took Rocky to the hospital, saving his life. The hospital team knew the symptoms involved potential toxins, so they called Pet Poison Helpline for assistance, saving Rocky’s life,” Schmid continued. “Every person who helped Rocky along the way is his lifesaver.”

According to the animal poison control center, when Rocky arrived at the veterinary hospital, he was unaware of his surroundings and experiencing hypothermia, bradycardia, and hypotension. Hospital staff quickly initiated treatment, providing intravenous fluids to support his low blood pressure and provide cardiovascular support. Rocky also received reversal agents typically used for opioid and benzodiazepine overdose in case he had also been exposed to those drugs. Additionally, the staff took measures to raise his body temperature.

To stabilize Rocky’s low heart rate and help improve toxin removal from his system, the team administered additional medications and therapy.

“Urine drug screen results can be inaccurate in animals due to differences between animals and humans, making it important to treat the pet’s symptoms, not necessarily the test results,” Pet Poison Helpline said in the release.

Dogs, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. News release. Pet Poison Helpline. October 1, 2025.

Marijuana. Pet Poison Helpline. Accessed October 1, 2025. 

https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/marijuana/

Cocaine. Pet Poison Helpline. Accessed October 1, 2025. 

https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/cocaine/

Amphetamines. Pet Poison Helpline. Accessed October 1, 2025. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/amphetamines/

Rocky, a pomeranian, was treated for cocaine, THC, and amphetamine poisoning.

Pomeranian survives multi-drug exposure at music festival

When feline patients test positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1), it is not uncommon for the clients to make the difficult choice to euthanize their cat. Recently, an outbreak linked to raw cat food resulted in the euthanasia of a cat after it ingested the food and later tested positive.

 However, researchers at the University of Maryland (UMD) led a study, recently published in 

that demonstrated promising results when a cat infected with avian influenza receives care and is treated early.

“Most importantly, our study shows cats can survive bird flu if they receive early care and antiviral treatment with oseltamivir. Cats need not be euthanized in every case. They can regain full health and what appears to be strong protection from reinfection for at least several months after recovery,” said Kristen K. Coleman, PhD, the study’s lead researcher and an assistant professor at UMD’s School of Public Health.

Because H5N1 spreads quickly through animals, the researchers are concerned that infected cats will pose an unexpected threat to humans they come into contact with, such as family members and veterinary teams. Study results highlight both the importance of quick recognition of disease and the potential of antiviral therapy to protect animal health and possibly reduce spillover cases.

“We found that cats infected with avian influenza were able to survive when treated promptly with oseltamivir. The key is early intervention. Being able to recognize and begin treatment at the first signs of illness gave us the best chance for success,” said Jake Gomez, DVM, who treated infected cats at Cross Street Small Animal Veterinary Hospital in Tulare, California.

On October 31, 2024, a family in Tulare, the epicenter of the H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle for the state, brought their aged 1 year and 7 months male neutered domestic longhair pet cat (known in the research as Cat 2) to a local veterinary clinic for lethargy and refusing to ambulate. Cat 2’s owner stated that they had no knowledge of exposure to toxins for the cat, that he had indoor/outdoor access, and that he was up to date on his core feline vaccinations in California.

Cat 2 was given supportive treatment with subcutaneous fluids (200 mL lactated Ringer's solution) and cefovecin sodium, which is given as a single-injection, long-acting cephalosporin that lasts 14 days and is often used for adherence reasons and treats feline patients that are not eating. After 24 hours, Cat 2 returned to the clinic with minimal signs of improvement. Cat 2 was given an appetite stimulant but died 2 days later.

During their initial visit, Cat 2’s family reported that before Cat 2 displayed symptoms, another one of their cats, known as Cat 1 in the research, was acutely ill but was brought to another clinic. Cat 1, a male, neutered domestic shorthair aged 1 year and 5 months, was indoor only and up to date on all vaccinations.

Cat 1 suddenly became lethargic and was rushed to the local emergency facility for blood work and imaging of the thorax. At the time, the team suspected Cat 1 had an upper respiratory infection and was given Convenia and oxygen therapy. However, Cat 1 died suddenly when he returned home.

The attending veterinarian who cared for Cat 2 is a mixed-animal veterinarian who cares for under 100,000 cattle in California. When Cat 2 came to the clinic, multiple local herds and poultry operations were experiencing outbreaks of H5N1. Due to the acute mortality of Cat 1, this veterinarian was concerned that these feline patients could have H5N1, especially because they live less than a mile from the nearest cluster and one of the owners is a traveling hay salesman. The veterinary teams discussed precautions and isolation techniques with the owners and encouraged them to bring any remaining cats to the clinic immediately if they began to show signs. The attending veterinarian contacted the US Department of Agriculture and the FDA for testing and possible necropsy.

On November 6, 2024, the family brought in Cat 3, a male neutered domestic longhair aged 1 year and 7 months, who was also up to date on his vaccines and lived indoors only. He was lethargic and anorexic upon arrival, but a physical exam was "otherwise unremarkable."

 Cat 4, a 4-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair who was up to date on vaccines and lived only inside, was brought in the next day, presenting with lethargy and anorexia, and had an unkempt hair coat and nasal discharge.

Cat 3 was given meloxicam alongside subcutaneous fluid therapy, but because there was a suspicion of H5N1, he was also given 15 mg oseltamivir (Tamiflu) by mouth every 12 hours for 10 days. Three days later, he was given more subcutaneous fluids and put on meloxicam as an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. During his recheck on November 13, he was drinking normally, his activity had returned to normal, his appetite had improved, and he had gained weight. Cat 3 was found to have hypopyon in his right eye and no fever, so he was given a broad-spectrum topical antibiotic/steroid eye drop.

Cat 4 also had signs of purulent nasal discharge bilaterally, serous discharge from both eyes, and increased bronchovesicular sounds bilaterally.

 He was given subcutaneous fluids, meloxicam, and oseltamivir. He was given meloxicam orally after 24 hours.

After their treatments, both cats came in for a follow-up. In February 2025, the owners reported that both pets had recovered and were back to normal. No information on human illness was provided, and blood samples were collected from the recovered cats at a follow-up visit about a month later. 

Both Cats 3 and 4 were positive for influenza A virus antibodies via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and positive for neutralizing antibodies against influenza H5N1 2.3.4.4b. Blind results from the study were also in agreement.

This outbreak of H5N1 among house cats demonstrates how quickly H5N1 can spread through multiple animals in a home, posing an unexpected spillover risk to family members and veterinarians caring for them. Most importantly, we demonstrate that with early supportive care and early treatment with oseltamivir, H5N1 is a survivable disease in domestic cats,” the researchers stated.

“Our results support the continued prioritization of neuraminidase inhibitors in the treatment of H5N1 in mammals and highlight the importance of early identification and targeted treatment. Furthermore, we demonstrate that survivor cats can regain full health and maintain high titers of neutralizing antibodies against H5N1 at least 3-4 months post recovery. These findings suggest that cats and other mammalian species may sustain strong protection from reinfection of H5N1 after natural infection and continue to thrive,” they concluded.

Bird flu outbreak in house cats: high-risk but survival possible. News release. University of Maryland. September 18, 2025. Accessed October 1, 2025. 

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1098916

Gomez JF, Bemis IG, Shittu I, Gray GC, Coleman KK. Outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza a(H5N1) among house cats: a case series involving oseltamivir treatment. 

. 2025;21:101211. doi:10.1016/j.onehlt.2025.101211

Researchers at the University of Maryland found that antiviral treatment and catching the illness early can improve survival rates of cats positive for H5N1. 

Study finds if bird flu is caught early enough, felines can survive it

A new round-the-clock specialty and emergency hospital in San Luis Obispo, California, has emerged, marking the region’s first hospital of its kind. In South Florida, a referral-only advanced imaging center for pets has opened, providing diagnostic imaging services only for patients referred by veterinarians. Additionally, a provider of veterinary and human healthcare education has broken ground on a new location.

Continue reading to learn more about these updates.

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital (San Luis Obispo, California)

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital. (Image courtesy of Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital/New Times San Luis Obispo)

A 24/7 veterinary specialty and emergency care center, Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital, in San Luis Obispo, California, recently opened. The new hospital is the first 24/7 veterinary and specialty hospital in the region.

“Finally, pet owners in San Luis Obispo and the surrounding areas don’t need to travel hours away for advanced care,” Joseph Raleigh, DVM, DACVS-SA, co-founder of the center, said in a news release.

 “We’re proud to provide the highest level of emergency and specialty services, right here in our community.”

Currently, the hospital offers surgery, internal medicine, radiology, and cardiology. The hospital said it plans to offer oncology and critical care services soon. According to Cerro Alto, the center will contain more than 50 staff members.

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The referral-only diagnostic imaging center MyPetScan, will be opening in mid-October in Doral, Florida. The center will be the only referral-only advanced imaging center for pets in South Florida.

"Our goal is to be the easiest 'yes' on your referral list,” Mario Arellano, DVM, ABVP, medical director of MyPetScan, said in a company news release.

 “Get the patient in, get high-quality imaging, and get a clear, board-certified read within 24 hours-so you can move on the plan that same day or next."

The center will offer magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, echocardiography, and endoscopy. MyPetScan said it will also provide wellness imaging for senior pets and predisposed breeds.

Viticus Group Nashville Education Centers (Nashville, Tennessee)

Viticus group has finalized the purchased of a new property in Nashville, Tennessee, and officially broken ground. With this, the organization is set to begin the retrofit construction phase for education centers. Viticus Group said its headquarters will still be located in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of our team, whose expertise and commitment were invaluable in navigating the complex details and ensuring we closed on time and within budget,” Andrea Davis, CEO of Viticus Group, said in an announcement.

According to Viticus Group, its education centers will be modeled off of their service lines in Las Vegas. Additionally, the new facility will consist of nearly 80,000 sq ft of additional space in adjacent centers.

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital opens as San Luis Obispo County’s first and only 24/7 specialty & emergency veterinary facility. News release. Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital. September 16, 2025.

MyPetScan announces grand opening in Doral: South Florida’s referral-only advanced imaging center for pets. News release. MyPetScan. September 6, 2025.

Viticus Group officially closes and breaks ground on Nashville property. News release. Viticus Group. September 30, 2025.

The latest updates relating to animal care establishments and platforms.

Clinic center: California’s Central Coast gets first 24/7 specialty and emergency hospital opens, & more

April Blong, DVM, DACVECC, discusses one way that all respiratory distress cases should be handled.

Managing respiratory distress

What is one key point that every veterinarian should know about caring for a patient with respiratory distress? April Blong, DVM, DACVECC, an associate clinical professor at the Iowa State University Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center in Ames and the medical director at Iowa Veterinary Specialties in Des Moines, discusses techniques for stabilizing a patient with respiratory distress, in a 

Blong presented continuing education (CE) sessions on emergency and critical care at the 2025 Fetch dvm360 Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, where her interview was recorded. These CE sessions presented insights on abdominal and thoracic injuries in blunt force trauma cases as well as identifying and stabilizing possible traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. In this video, she addresses one of the key takeaways from her CE sessions.

The following is a transcript of the video.

: There are lots of causes of respiratory distress, but the vast majority of respiratory distress cases can be stabilized with low stress handling, oxygen and sedation. Don't overlook giving these animals some butorphanol...It doesn't matter the cause of respiratory distress. Every respiratory distress patient should be sedated.

Common causes of blunt force trauma in pets

You can also learn more and register for the 2026 Fetch dvm360 Conference in Kansas City