Screwworm Outbreak Freezes Texas Pet Adoptions

Adoptions are on hold for thousands of dogs and cats in Texas because of the first New World screwworm outbreak in the state in 60 years, and shelter advocates warn the backlog could push more animals toward euthanasia.

The New World screwworm is a fly whose larvae eat the living flesh of mammals, hatching from eggs laid in wounds or mucous. It can infect pets as well as livestock.

Forty-four states have restricted the movement of pets out of infested areas of Texas, cutting off the out-of-state transports that shelters there rely on to empty their kennels.

What Stopped, and Where

In Corpus Christi, the Gulf Coast Humane Society could not get rescued dogs into New York state for weeks. Its population climbed from about 325 animals to nearly 450, and staff created extra space in outdoor exercise areas. New York has since begun allowing dogs from Texas again, but only if a veterinarian certifies each one is free of screwworm. The shelter normally sends about 500 dogs a year out of state.

Its director warned that if the shelter has no room to take animals from municipal shelters, "then they have to euthanize more animals."

In Houston, Humane Society shelter director Aaron Grady said the transport freeze has left animals more stressed, which hurts their chances with adopters. The Houston shelter is holding its population near 200 by leaning on a foster network for up to 300 more animals and helping owners keep pets longer.

"It's thrown a wrench into things, for small rescues as well as the bigger shelters," said Mia Bendixsen, executive director of the Texas Humane Legislation Network.