Deadly flesh-eating parasite poses risk to pets this summer: Here are the safety tips to know

A slimy creature called the New World Screwworm (NWS) is causing people to crawl out of their skin, as officials warn the public about the threat to animals.

The flesh-eating parasite has made headlines after the first dog case was reported; this is the first time since a small outbreak in the Florida Keys in 2017 that the pest has reappeared.

The NWS is a serious pest that affects livestock, pets, wildlife, birds, and less commonly, humans, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

NWS is not contagious and does not spread between animals or from animals to humans.

Screwworm infestations begin when a female fly lays eggs on a wound or body opening, where they hatch into larvae that burrow into the wound and feed on living tissue.

It is important to be mindful of family pets that could be vulnerable to these deadly pests if the proper precautions are not taken.

A simple, tiny cut can put an animal at risk of an NWS infestation and can easily infest an open wound if family members are not diligent with routine care.

Thankfully, if caught early, this is treatable by doctors.

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Experts from the CDC and researchers from Texas A&M Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences suggest these tips for pet safety this summer:

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These disgusting pests can lay anywhere between 200 and 300 eggs at a time within a warm-blooded animal or person, according to the CDC.

After feeding for about 7 days, the larvae drop to the ground, where they emerge as adult screwworm flies to continue the cycle.

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If you see maggots on any animal, whether livestock, pets, or wildlife, contact your veterinarian.