07/07/2025
🐾 Veterinary Health Alert: Watch for Maggots in Outdoor Animal Wounds 🐾
Attention pet owners, farmers, and animal caretakers:
With the warmer temperatures and increased outdoor activity, the risk of flystrike -- which is a serious condition caused by maggots infesting wounds -- is on the rise and we've seen several recent cases.
Flies are attracted to open wounds, moist areas, and soiled fur, where they will lay eggs that hatch into maggots and feed on the living tissue.
What to Watch For:
Unusual licking, biting, or scratching at a specific area, a foul odor or discharge from a wound, visible maggots or skin irritation and lethargy or loss of appetite.
Way to prevent this:
Inspect animals daily, especially those with open wounds or limited mobility.
Keep wound areas clean and dry
Seek immediate veterinary care for any cuts, abrasions, or signs of infestation
Maintain good hygiene in pens, stalls, and outdoor areas
This can become life-threatening quickly, so early detection and treatment are crucial. If you suspect your animal may be affected, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Protect your pets and livestock—stay vigilant, especially during fly season.
All Animal Hospital
