Facts about New World Screwworms

New World Screwworm (NWS) infections have been featured on the news and social media recently.  As this parasite can affect all warm-blooded animals, reports have caused concern for pet owners nationwide. 
Current infections are significant because NWS had largely been eradicated in the United States until cases were discovered this year.  However, currently active cases are few, and are limited to the state of Texas.

To put minds at ease, we are providing the following information:

New World Screwworms are a specific species of parasitic fly attracted to wounds and

 body openings in warm-blooded animals.  They lay eggs in bodily tissue which develop into larvae that cause significant damage to the host animal.  This parasite is a particular threat to livestock, but can also affect warm-blooded pets.

More facts:

• Currently, there have been 12 reported cases, all but one of which have been in the state of Texas. The final case was reported in New Mexico, on the Texas border.
• 11 of the 12 cases have been in livestock; the final case was reported in a dog.
• Currently, there have been no reported cases in the majority of the United States, including California and its neighboring states.
• Flea and Tick products in the Isoxazoline class (Simparica, Nexgard, Credelio) have been found to have anti-larval properties and are considered a good first-line of defense against NWS.
• FDA has issued emergency use authorization to Nexgard and Credelio for treatment of NWS infections.

Veterinarians in California “watching” NWS infection reports, but are not concerned at this time.  While we strongly recommend Isoxazoline class preventatives to control fleas and ticks, we are not advising any special precautions against NWS currently.

We will keep you informed if and when changes develop.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us!

__________________The Great Parasite Hunt

Nationwide, 20% of pets carry undiagnosed parasites that can harm pets and their families.  The CDC recommends pets be screened at least yearly for Internal Parasites and Tick-Borne Diseases.  
Just in time for summer, save big on simple parasite screens to protect your pet and the humans who love them!

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The Escondido Creek Conservancy (Conservancy) is proud to be selected to move to Phase 2 of Harrah’s Resort Southern California’s All-In 4 Change grant program. The organization is calling on supporters across the region to help advance local conservation and outdoor education programs by casting a daily vote for the Conservancy between June 15 and June 29 at https://harrahssocal.com/all-in-4-change. The All-In 4 Change program awards grants to nonprofit organizations making a positive impact throughout San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County. Community voting is 50% of deciding which organizations receive funding, making every vote an important opportunity to support conservation, environmental education, and habitat restoration across North San Diego County. “We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this community-driven program and for Harrah’s Resort Southern California’s longstanding commitment to supporting causes that strengthen our region,” said Ann Van Leer, Executive Director of The Escondido Creek Conservancy. “The All-In 4 Change program aligns closely with our mission of environmental stewardship, outdoor education, wellness, and community engagement. Through partnerships with schools, colleges, community organizations, and local tribes, including the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, we help connect people of all ages to nature while protecting the lands, waters, and wildlife that make North San Diego County such a special place.”

Why Your Vote Matters

For 35 years, The Escondido Creek Conservancy has protected the lands, waterways, and wildlife that define North San Diego County. Funding from the All-In 4 Change grant program would help expand conservation, habitat restoration, outdoor education, and community stewardship efforts throughout the Escondido Creek watershed. In celebration of the Conservancy’s 35th anniversary, any grant funds awarded would be doubled through a generous $1 million matching gift challenge, amplifying the impact of every dollar invested in protecting and restoring the watershed from ridge to reef.

How to Help

Vote Daily: Community members are encouraged to vote for The Escondido Creek Conservancy each day during the voting period. Every vote increases the Conservancy’s chances of receiving funding to support land conservation, habitat restoration, environmental education, and community stewardship programs. Daily votes can be made at:

https://harrahssocal.com/all-in-4-change.

Engage on Social Media: Follow The Escondido Creek Conservancy on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and help spread awareness by liking, sharing, and reposting campaign updates.

Spread the Word: Help amplify the campaign by sharing it with family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Every share helps introduce more people to the Conservancy’s work and encourages additional votes.

About The Escondido Creek Conservancy

For more than 35 years, the Conservancy has: Protected more than 7,000 acres of open space from development Stewarded over 3,500 acres of habitat for wildlife and ecosystem health Connected more than 30,000 students to nature through environmental education Mobilized hundreds of volunteers to restore habitat and care for local lands and waterways Founded in 1991, The Escondido Creek Conservancy protects and restores the Escondido Creek watershed through land conservation, habitat restoration, environmental education, and community engagement. Flowing from the mountains above Lake Wohlford to the San Elijo Lagoon and the coast at Encinitas and Solana Beach, the watershed encompasses more than 75 square miles of North San Diego County. The Conservancy’s vision is to serve as a model of vibrant communities and healthy ecosystems thriving together. For more information, visit

escondidocreek.org.

A vegetation fire near Double Peak was quickly contained Wednesday morning thanks to the vigilance of local hikers and the rapid response of firefighters and law enforcement.

According to information provided to San Elijo Life, two early-morning hikers spotted the fire and immediately contacted emergency dispatch. Crews from Fire Station 4 and San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies responded and contained the blaze before it spread further.

Authorities report that a suspect was taken into custody in connection with the incident. Investigators were seen working in the area on Wednesday morning.

Residents visiting Double Peak and the Ridgeline Trail area may encounter temporary restrictions or delays while investigators complete their work.

With fire danger remaining a concern throughout the region, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting suspicious activity and potential fire hazards promptly.

Thanks to the hikers who reported the fire and the first responders whose swift actions helped protect the surrounding open space and community

*Since 2006, San Elijo Life has provided community news, photos, videos, and a directory of resources for residents of San Elijo Hills. The site is independent of the developer and the HOA and is run by local homeowners. San Elijo Life is not the HOA.