New World Screwworm Confirmed in US Horse
A case of New World screwworm has been confirmed in a horse in the United States, marking a significant animal health event.
A case of New World screwworm has been confirmed in a horse in the United States. The report was detailed by dvm360's assistant editor Abi Bautista-Alejandre.
This parasitic infestation is caused by the larvae of the Cochliomyia hominivorax fly. The condition requires immediate veterinary attention. Infestations can lead to severe tissue damage and are fatal if left untreated.
Other Veterinary Health News
A new study is investigating copper-associated hepatopathy in Labrador retrievers. Led by Tarini Ullal, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM) of the University of California, Davis, the research aims to understand why the breed develops the liver condition. The team is exploring whether blood-based tools could detect it before serious liver damage occurs.
The study is funded by a $233,211 grant from the AKC Canine Health Foundation. It is currently recruiting dogs for participation.
Behavioral and Public Health Updates
Valli Parthasarathy, DVM, PhD, DACVB, outlined a framework for managing parrot behavior cases. She emphasizes the "3 M's": management, modification, and medication. Parthasarathy notes that sparse species-level drug research makes management and modification the primary starting points for treatment.
In a public health milestone, Chile has been validated by the World Organization for Animal Health for eliminating dog-transmitted rabies. The country has reported no human cases of dog-mediated rabies since 1972.
Client Education and Pet Owner Trends
A new Q&A features Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, DACVM (Parasitology), discussing Toxoplasma gondii. He explains the parasite's clinical significance, when to consider testing, and how to counsel clients about exposure risks. Lee points out that undercooked meat, unwashed produce, and contaminated soil pose a far greater risk of exposure than the household cat.
Separately, a Spot Pet Insurance survey of 3,600 US dog and cat owners revealed how pets influence major life decisions. Nearly 60% of respondents said their pet's needs weighed as heavily as their own when choosing a home. Furthermore, 23% stated that a pet's negative reaction to a new romantic partner would be an automatic dealbreaker.
The source also noted that the Fetch National Harbor veterinary conference is underway, offering continuing education on topics from canine cardiac disease to feline-specific conditions.
