HARLINGEN, Texas — The City of Harlingen Animal Shelter has received a $10,000 grant to purchase medication intended to help prevent New World screwworm infections in animals at the shelter, officials said.
The grant, awarded by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, will allow the shelter to obtain medication cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use against screwworm. Shelter officials said the supply is expected to help treat at least 100 animals.
New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae can infest open wounds in warm-blooded animals. The shelter said the funding will allow it to take preventive action while monitoring for potential cases.
Residents who observe animals with wounds or signs of infestation should contact a veterinarian or local animal-control agency for guidance. BTX Today will follow any additional public-health notices from state or local agencies.
Source: KRGV
