While most confirmed cases of New World Screwworm in the U.S. have been detected in cattle, sheep and goats, animal health officials in Mississippi want pet owners to know dogs and cats are vulnerable to the pest. “But it is important to know that any animal is susceptible to these flies and how to protect your pets.” The New World Screwworm is a type of blowfly that is attracted to wounds and lays its eggs on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, including livestock, wildlife, pets and less commonly people and birds. RELATED: Still no cases of New World Screwworm in MississippiThese larvae, or maggots, burrow into the flesh of hosts and cause severe injury and even death if infections are not quickly caught and treated. There are also requirements for pet dogs and cats traveling internationally where there are active infested zones of New World Screwworm.