Source: AP News
Thousands of dogs and cats in Texas are facing adoption delays as officials work to contain the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that has entered the United States from Mexico for the first time in 60 years. The parasite can infect mammals by laying eggs in wounds or mucous membranes, where larvae feed on living tissue.
With several dogs among confirmed infections in southern Texas and southeastern New Mexico, 44 states have restricted movement of pets from affected areas. The restrictions have disrupted transfers that Texas shelters depend upon to send animals to other states for adoption.
The resulting overcrowding could increase the risk of euthanasia for shelter animals. At the Gulf Coast Humane Society in Corpus Christi, delays in transferring dogs to New York contributed to the shelter population rising from approximately 325 animals to nearly 450. Animal welfare organizations say the restrictions are creating difficulties for shelters and rescue groups across Texas.
Read the full story HERE: https://apnews.com/article/screwworm-animal-shelters-dogs-cats-texas-40826cd035d7a5c4fbb40f2c1d961133