We report a case of autochthonous infection of the eye worm Thelazia callipaeda in a dog in the northeastern United States. Integrated morphologic identification and molecular diagnosis confirmed the species. Phylogenetic analysis suggested introduction from Europe. The zoonotic potential of this parasite warrants broader surveillance and increased awareness among physicians and veterinarians.
Keywords: Thelazia; Thelazia callipaeda; United States; canine; dog; emerging diseases; eye worm; helminth; oriental eye worm; parasite; vector-borne infections; zoonoses; zoonotic diseases.