July 4th Pet Safety
As Independence Day quickly approaches, we know many of us are excited for the celebrations this weekend. As you prepare for your 4th of July festivities, it is important to consider your pet as well! Whether you are spending the day with your family at home or practicing social distancing at the beach, there are special precautions you should take to ensure your pet’s safety this holiday. We’ve put together some helpful tips to help you keep your pet safe this July 4th!

Proper identification
Fireworks and loud noises can easily startle your pet and cause him to run out of your home or yard in fear. Make sure your pet’s ID tag includes his name and your contact information so that your pet can be returned to you as quickly as possible. By putting an identification tag on your pet, you can help your pet return home safely should he run out of the house or yard.

We also recommend microchipping as further means of protection should he get lost. A microchip can help animal professionals get him home safely even if he loses his ID tag. If your pet already has a microchip, make sure your information is up to date with whichever company you registered your pet.

A safe and secure environment
One of the most important ways to keep your pet safe and at ease this holiday is to provide them with a safe and secure environment. This is especially important if you plan to have guests at your house or if you live in an area where fireworks may be going off. Even the most social of pets can become stressed in these situations. We recommend keeping your pet at home in an escape-proof room or crate with their favorite toys or consider using a calming jacket to help prevent anxiety.

Keep your pet away from table scraps, barbeques, fireworks, and sparklers
Even if your pet “will eat anything,” that doesn’t mean he should! There are many human foods that are not safe for pets to consume, so it is always best to let your pet stick to his normal diet and refrain from feeding him any food from the table. Make sure your guests don’t slip him any treats and keep all trash secured in a trash bin out of reach.

Additionally, make sure your pet does not get too close to your barbeque or fire pit, as these can easily become dangerous for your furry friend. Keep any fireworks or sparklers stored out of your pet’s reach to prevent any accidents. Keep your pet secured while using fireworks to prevent injury as often curious pets may run out to investigate or chase to prevent them from the fireworks.

Provide water and shade
The summer heat is no fun, even once the sun sets temperatures can still be high. Make sure your pet has plenty of water and shade if he is going to spend time outdoors. If possible, keep your pet in a safe indoors in an air-conditioned room with plenty of toys to keep him occupied and easy access to his food and water bowl. This will help ensure that your pet is well hydrated, fed, and does not become anxious or overheated.

The 4th of July is a great time to celebrate with your friends, family, and furry friends. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your holiday without worrying about the safety and wellbeing of your pet. 

What do I need to know about New World screwworm?
The New World screwworm (NWS) is a fly that produces larvae that can cause a parasitic infestation in animals, including in livestock, pets and wildlife. Infestation in people is rare. The NWS does not contaminate food.
The New World screwworm (NWS) has re-emerged as a major threat in North America. After being eradicated from the U.S. in 1966, the flesh-eating parasite broke through a permanent biological barrier in Central America and moved rapidly northward through Mexico. The outbreak crossed the U.S. border into Texas in early June 2026.
The timeline of the parasite's northward migration highlights its spread and subsequent arrival in the United States:
2022–2023: The New World screwworm breaches the sterile-fly barrier at the Darién Gap in Panama, beginning its northward movement through Central America and Mexico.
Late May 2026: The screwworm is confirmed in Coahuila, Mexico, just 25 miles from the Texas-Mexico border.
June 3, 2026: The USDA officially confirms the first U.S. case of the current outbreak in a 1-month-old calf in Zavala County, Texas.
June 8, 2026: The infestation spreads further into Texas and crosses into New Mexico, with a confirmed case in a dog in Lea County.
June 9, 2026: Additional cases are confirmed in La Salle County, Texas, triggering widespread movement restrictions and state of emergency declarations across the region.

What is the New World screwworm?
The New World screwworm (NWS) is a species of fly, known by the scientific name Cochliomyia hominivorax.
The fly lays its eggs in open wounds or body cavities (for example, nasal passages) of warm-blooded animals such as farm animals, wildlife, pets, or humans. After the eggs hatch, the larvae (maggots) feed on living tissue, which is called NWS myiasis.

How does New World screwworm affect animals' health?
New World screwworm is found most commonly in animals, not humans. Pets, livestock, and wild animals are vulnerable to infestation. Animals affected may lose weight, have wounds that do not heal, or even die if the larvae are not removed.
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How can you protect yourself and your animals from New World screwworm?
Keep wounds clean and covered.

Regularly check pets and livestock for wounds or maggots if you live in or travel to areas where New World screwworm (NWS) is present.

Seek medical or veterinary care if wounds do not heal or show signs of maggot infestation.

Report any suspicious cases to local health or animal authorities, particularly after traveling to regions where NWS infestations are occurring currently or have occurred in the past.

How is a New World screwworm outbreak controlled?
Sterile insect technique (SIT): This method involves releasing sterile male flies to reduce the New World screwworm (NWS) population. It has been very effective in preventing the return of NWS to North America.

Quarantine and inspections: Animals transported from areas where NWS exists are carefully checked for signs of infestation.

Prompt treatment: Removing NWS larvae from wounds and treating infections quickly are essential for both humans and animals.
COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF AG. REGULATIONS FOR ALL WARMBLOODED ANIMALS MOVING ACROSS STATE LINES.
New NWS Import requirements. 
If you plan to bring your pets or livestock into the state, it's crucial to understand the regulations that apply to each species.
CDA adopted an Emergency Rule on June 10, 2026 outlining new requirements for animals entering Colorado from an NWS infested state.  

1. No animal with NWS myiasis may enter Colorado.
2. Animals from an NWS Infested Zone must meet all enhanced requirements, as outlined in the Emergency Rule.
3. All dogs and cats entering from states with an Active NWS Infested Zones must have a CVI (health certificate) within 5 days prior to entry into Colorado.

Currently the only 2 states affected with NSW are Texas and New Mexico.