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Answers to your New World Screwworm questions
We’ve had a lot of questions about New World Screwworm after the announcement of a human case on the East Coast last month. Veterinarians should remind clients NWS exists and put it on their radar so they know what to look for and reach out to you with any concerns. Also, make sure to keep an eye out for NWS on animals you treat or inspect and educate your clients on screwworm risks and prevention. Encourage clients to have their animals inspected before they’re imported into Minnesota and immediately report any suspected cases of NWS flies or larvae.
Pet owners should check your pets regularly for signs of screwworm infestations, which include small white eggs on open wounds or open wounds with visible maggots inside. You should talk to a veterinarian to determine the difference between NWS maggots and other species of fly.
Don’t travel with your pet to places where NWS is endemic or if there are current alerts. The USDA shares the latest information on endemic areas around the world. When returning to the United States, makes sure your animals are screened for NWS before departure and again upon arrival.
Anytime you have concerns about the health or wellbeing of your animals you should reach out to your veterinarian.
Read our NWS Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about this pest.
Are you raising a backyard flock? This survey is for you!
Since March 2024, of avian influenza A(H5 bird flu) have occurred in humans in the United States, mostly among workers exposed to infected dairy cows and commercial poultry farms. However, cases have also occurred among people exposed to birds kept in backyard flocks.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are interested in learning more about backyard flock owners and their flocks. The anonymous survey asks about:
- Characteristics of backyard flock owners, their families, and their flocks.
- Knowledge of H5 bird flu and signs and symptoms in birds and humans.
- Level of concern about H5 bird flu to their backyard flock and themselves.
- Attitudes towards reporting sick or dead birds and protective measures like vaccination of their flock.
- Practices they use to protect their flock and themselves from H5 bird flu.
MDH and CDC will use the survey results to improve H5 bird flu prevention activities. The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Take the backyard flock owner survey here.
Questions can be sent to .
eCVI webinar on the horizon
Calling all accredited veterinarians! On Tuesday, September 30 at noon, join the Minnesota Board of Animal Health's Animal Disease Traceability Program for a lunch webinar on electronic Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (eCVIs). Dr. Katie Cornille and Avrey Bergum will cover Minnesota's transition from paper to electronic CVIs as well as a refresher on CVI completion and usage. They will also review troubleshooting tips and leave time for questions. Attending the webinar qualifies for veterinarian continuing education credit. Register for this webinar today.
2027 Veterinary Externship Applications Now Open
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health is now accepting applications for its 2027 veterinary externship program. This two-week, non-paid rotation places veterinary students alongside Board professionals in office or field settings, offering hands-on involvement in disease investigations, inspections, and animal health initiatives to protect Minnesota’s domestic animals.
To participate, students must be enrolled in an accredited veterinary medicine program and meet their school’s credit requirements. Externs commit to an 80-hour schedule over two weeks and provide their own transportation to St. Paul and/or rural field sites across the state.
At the end of the rotation, participants complete a short evaluation to share insights and suggestions for future students. Selected applicants should plan for significant driving, some site visits are up to two hours away.
Don’t miss this chance to explore regulatory veterinary medicine and expand your professional network while contributing to Minnesota’s animal health mission. Apply today to secure your spot!
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