US - USDA Confirms Presence of New World Screwworm in the United States - June 3, 2026 - current

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Press Release

USDA Announces Phased Reopening of Southern Ports for Livestock Trade

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Published:
July 24, 2026

(Washington, D.C., July 24, 2026) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing a coordinated, phased reopening of southern cattle ports, contingent on Mexico’s adherence to the Joint Action Plan. Beginning August 24, 2026, USDA will open the Douglas, AZ port of entry to cattle trade, while simultaneously initiating the operational steps necessary for subsequent openings at the Santa Teresa, NM, and Columbus, NM, ports. Every animal entering the United States through these ports will undergo a full USDA inspection to ensure it is free of any signs of New World screwworm (NWS).

“Protecting the United States from NWS and pushing this pest out of Mexico and back to the Darien Gap is a top priority at USDA and has the full attention of the Trump Administration,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “The closure of the Southern ports of entry for the last year has been a tough but necessary action to control the spread of NWS in Mexico and protect the American livestock industry. Thanks to the work across the federal government as well as state, local, and industry partners, it is now safe to reopen the Douglas, Arizona, port in 30 days to resume the hundreds year old movement of cattle.”

For many years, Sonora and Chihuahua have maintained a strong animal health infrastructure program, built on the backs of successful animal disease control measures. While the rest of Mexico has not been able to stop the spread of the screwworm or stop legal and illegal movement, Sonora and Chihuahua do have a track record of success in these spaces, giving USDA confidence that they can do the job.

USDA proposes a phased reopening of Southern ports to livestock trade, contingent upon satisfactory progress on priority Action Plan milestones.

• Sonora and Chihuahua are identified as the lowest-risk Mexican states for New World screwworm due to their strong, well-established inspection programs and their geographic distance from southern Mexico, where most cases are concentrated.
• On August 24, 2026, USDA will reopen the Douglas, AZ, port, which borders Sonora, to livestock trade. The closest active case to the Douglas, AZ, port is ~325 miles detected on July 22, 2026. After evaluating the success of the initial reopening and potential impacts or risk assessment changes, APHIS will then consider reopening the Santa Teresa, NM, and Columbus, NM, ports to live cattle, bison, and horses.
• The reopening timeline will remain flexible and may be adjusted based on Mexico’s progress in meeting Action Plan milestones and addressing critical issues.
• The opening of ports may be paused if USDA identifies increased risk in Sonora or Chihuahua via post-opening audits or other observations/information.

For more information about USDA’s New World screwworm response, read here: www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm/usda-continues-lead-aggressive

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https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/new...ased-reopening-southern-ports-livestock-trade

 

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Press Release

Secretary Rollins Visits Douglas Port of Entry, Announces $25 Million Commitment for New Arizona Sterile Fly Dispersal Facility

Secretary Highlights USDA’s Readiness Ahead of Douglas Port Reopening and Continued Aggressive Response to New World Screwworm

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Published:
July 29, 2026

(Washington, D.C., July 29, 2026) – Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins visited the livestock inspection facilities at the Douglas, Arizona, Port of Entry, joined by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Rep. Eli Crane (AZ-02), and Arizona Director of Agriculture Paul Brierley, highlighting the Department’s extensive preparedness measures ahead of the planned reopening of the port to livestock trade on August 24. During her visit, Secretary Rollins also announced USDA’s commitment to invest $25 million toward the opening of a new sterile fly dispersal facility in Arizona to strengthen the nation’s long-term response to New World screwworm (NWS).

“Protecting American agriculture begins with protecting our borders and ensuring we have the strongest animal health safeguards anywhere in the world. The Douglas Port of Entry will reopen only because USDA has implemented one of the most rigorous livestock inspection protocols in history, giving us confidence we can safely resume this critical trade while ensuring cattle crossing the border are free from New World screwworm,” said Secretary Rollins. “At the same time, today’s announcement marks another major investment in our long-term strategy to push this pest back into Mexico and ultimately eradicate it from North America. Together with our partners in Arizona, we’re strengthening the infrastructure needed to protect American ranchers for generations to come.”

“Proud to join Secretary Rollins for today’s announcement of the reopening of the Douglas Port of Entry alongside this critical investment in Arizona,” said Representative Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06). “Local agriculture leaders and I have been fighting to deliver this sterile fly dispersal facility because Arizona’s livestock industry cannot afford to wait on the New World screwworm threat. This $25 million investment is the direct result of that work, and I’m grateful to Secretary Rollins for listening to Arizona’s producers and delivering on it. Her responsiveness and willingness to act swiftly on commonsense solutions has made a real difference. This is Secretary Rollins’ second visit to Arizona in just a few months, reflecting her commitment to hearing directly from those on the ground and delivering real results for our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.”

Secretary Rollins also received updates from USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) personnel responsible for implementing enhanced inspection protocols for each and every animal entering through Douglas once trade resumes. Under USDA’s phased reopening plan announced last week, each animal will receive multiple veterinary inspections, including by USDA veterinarians before entering the United States. Any animal failing to meet APHIS import criteria will be denied entry, and detection of NWS would immediately halt imports through the facility.

Today’s announcement also advances USDA’s aggressive strategy to strengthen sterile fly production and dispersal capacity. The proposed Arizona sterile fly dispersal facility would complement existing investments in Texas, Mexico, and Panama while improving the Department’s ability to respond rapidly to NWS threats along the Southwest border. USDA will continue working closely with the Arizona Department of Agriculture and state leaders to identify the specific location and operational plan for the facility in Douglas, Arizona. Depending on the selected site and available infrastructure, construction could be completed in as little as several months.

APHIS and Arizona state personnel have maintained trapping operations near Douglas over the last year, submitting nearly 1,000 flies, none of which were identified as NWS by scientific experts. USDA and Arizona officials have also conducted extensive coordination exercises, preparedness planning, stakeholder outreach, and response training to ensure the state is ready to respond should the pest ever threaten the region.

Last week, USDA announced a coordinated, phased reopening of southern livestock ports contingent upon Mexico’s continued adherence to the Joint Action Plan to combat NWS. Douglas was selected as the first port to reopen because Sonora maintains one of Mexico’s strongest animal health systems and remains the lowest-risk state for NWS, while the Douglas facility is well positioned to implement USDA’s enhanced inspection protocols. Following a successful reopening of Douglas and continued evaluation of disease risk, USDA will consider reopening the Santa Teresa and Columbus, New Mexico, ports.

USDA’s reopening timeline remains contingent upon continued progress by Mexico and ongoing risk assessments. The Department will continue monitoring conditions closely and stand ready to pause or adjust reopening plans should the risk profile change. Protecting the American livestock industry remains USDA’s highest priority.

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​https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/new...25-million-commitment-new-arizona-sterile-fly

 

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https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/...e/current-status/us-confirmed-cases-new-world

 

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https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/...e/current-status/us-confirmed-cases-new-world

 

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https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/...e/current-status/us-confirmed-cases-new-world

 

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FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization for Drug to Prevent New World Screwworm in Multiple Species, Including Sheep, Cattle, Goats, and Swine

For Immediate Release: August 07, 2026

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for CLiK Extra (dicyclanil topical suspension) wound spray for application on or around wounds for the prevention of New World screwworm (NWS) infestations (myiasis) in sheep, cattle, goats, swine, camelids (e.g., camels, llamas, alpacas), and the following captive and captured wildlife species: cervids (e.g., deer, elk), American bison, bighorn sheep, and Sonoran pronghorn.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are giving American farmers, ranchers, veterinarians, and wildlife managers the tools they need to fight back,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas, J.D. “Today's emergency use authorization provides a new tool for preventing the spread of New World screwworm infestations, and we will continue to work to combat this threatening pest.”

Based on the totality of the scientific evidence available, the FDA has concluded it is reasonable to believe that CLiK Extra wound spray may be effective in the prevention of NWS myiasis when used as authorized, and the known and potential benefits of the product outweigh its known and potential risks.

“The FDA recognizes that the impact of New World screwworm extends beyond the farm gate,” said Timothy Schell, Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine. “Authorizing this product for captive and captured wildlife species, including bighorn sheep, Sonoran pronghorn, American bison, and cervids like deer and elk, is about protecting these animals and helping ensure they do not contribute to the spread of NWS in the United States.”

This EUA authorizes CLiK Extra wound spray only for prevention of NWS myiasis associated with wounds, birth, and after surgical or husbandry procedures (e.g., dehorning, ear tagging, castration, tail docking, shearing). It is applied at the time of wound appearance or creation. If a wound is already infested, or if an infestation develops after administering the product, contact a veterinarian to discuss treatment options.

CLiK Extra wound spray is available over the counter for topical use on or around wounds. Rather than killing NWS larvae, it acts as an insect growth regulator that disrupts the development of larvae and halts their lifecycle before they can cause tissue damage in the host animal.

CLiK Extra wound spray is not approved or conditionally approved by the FDA for any indication.

Detailed product information about CLiK Extra wound spray, including important food safety information, can be found in the Fact Sheet: Emergency Use Authorization of CLiK Extra (dicyclanil topical suspension) Wound Spray for New World Screwworm (NWS).

This EUA will be effective until it is revoked or the HHS Secretary terminates the declaration that the potential public health emergency presented by NWS justifies the emergency use authorization of animal drugs for NWS.

CLiK Extra wound spray is sponsored by Elanco US Inc. based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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https://www.fda.gov/news-events/pre...ew-world-screwworm-multiple-species-including

 

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https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/...sease/stop-screwworm/current-status/confirmed

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Ciudad Juárez is a Mexican city on the Rio Grande, just south of El Paso, Texas
Google Map
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Translation Google

Local
Monday, August 17, 2026

Senasica reports first active case of screwworm in Ciudad Juárez

Chihuahua has 82 active cases, while nationally there are 1,868.

Paola Romo

Ciudad Juárez now has an active case of cattle screwworm (GBG) . The most recent report from the National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety and Quality (Senasica) included the border municipality with one case, among the 82 active cases in Chihuahua.

The report of active GBG cases in Mexico, corresponding to August 14 and updated on August 17, 2026, places Juárez with one active case, along with other municipalities in the state.

This data places Ciudad Juárez on the map of municipalities with an active presence of this plague for the first time and acquires special relevance due to its border location with the United States and its proximity to ports of entry used for the movement of livestock, such as Santa Teresa, in New Mexico.

In Chihuahua, the municipality with the highest number of active cases is Matamoros, with 13, followed by Coronado, with nine; Balleza, with five; and Jiménez and Rosales, with four each. Other municipalities with active cases include Aldama, Allende, Camargo, Chihuahua, Delicias, Hidalgo del Parral, Huejotitán, López, and Nonoava. Juárez appears on the list with one active case.

The Senasica report comes at a sensitive time for the border, due to the process of reopening US ports to Mexican livestock trade.

On July 24, 2026, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a coordinated and gradual reopening of the southern livestock ports, conditioned on Mexico's compliance with the Joint Action Plan against the screwworm.

The first port considered is Douglas, Arizona, which borders Sonora and whose reopening is scheduled for August 24.

Subsequently, the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will evaluate the possibility of reopening Santa Teresa and Columbus, New Mexico, for the entry of live cattle, bison, and horses.

Although Santa Teresa does not yet have a definitive reopening date, this will depend on the evaluation of the US authorities after Douglas.

The USDA itself warns that the reopening schedule is flexible and may be modified according to the evolution of the health situation in Mexico. Specifically, it notes that the reopening of the ports could be paused if U.S. authorities identify an increased risk in Sonora or Chihuahua, whether through post-reopening audits, on-site observations, or other available information.


https://oem.com.mx/elheraldodejuare...e-gusano-barrenador-en-ciudad-juarez-31620665
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Concerns about the New World screwworm have put Texas pet adoptions on hold

By JOHN HANNA
Updated 8:01 AM CDT, August 19, 2026

Adoptions are on hold for thousands of dogs and cats in Texas, potentially putting the animals at risk of being euthanized, because of efforts to stop the spread of the New World screwworm, an insect that has crossed the border from Mexico into the United States for the first time in 60 years.
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The screwworm can lay eggs that hatch into flesh-eating larvae in wounds or mucous on any mammal, and of the dozens of infections in southern Texas and southeastern New Mexico, several have been in dogs. Forty-four states have restricted the movements of pets from infested areas, creating a hardship for shelters from Texas that typically send thousands of animals to other states each year.

In Corpus Christi, the Gulf Coast Humane Society couldn’t get rescued dogs into New York state for weeks, causing the shelter’s animal population to climb from around 325 to nearly 450.
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https://apnews.com/article/screwwor...s-cats-texas-40826cd035d7a5c4fbb40f2c1d961133

 

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Aug 21, 2026

Following Additional New World Screwworm Detection in Mexico, Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Animal Import Restrictions for California, Arizona Counties

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Following the detection of New World Screwworm (NWS) in the Mexican state of Sonora, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced today that 4 California counties and 5 Arizona counties are being added to Florida’s list of NWS high-risk areas. Emergency Rule 5CER26-7, previously issued by Commissioner Simpson to help prevent the reintroduction of the destructive pest into the state, imposes heightened restrictions on the importation of warm-blooded animals into Florida from NWS-infested zones and high-risk areas.

“Florida has been out front from the beginning when it comes to protecting our state from New World Screwworm. We have taken proactive steps to prepare for this threat, and we will continue to adjust our response based on where the threat is moving,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “Today’s action reflects the latest information available and ensures Florida’s existing protections are applied to newly designated infested and high-risk areas. We will stay ahead of this threat and continue to protect Florida’s livestock, pets, wildlife, and agricultural economy.”

For the latest information on the New World Screwworm, zone designations, and animal movement requirements, visit FDACS.gov/NWS. Emergency Rule 5CER26-7 imposes the following temporary restrictions:

Restrictions for Infested Zones

• All warm-blooded animals originating from an infested zone being imported into Florida must receive an FDACS Certificate of Animal Movement with a prior permission number, applied for two days in advance of arrival. Apply for an FDACS Certificate of Animal Movement.
• The FDACS Certificate of Animal Movement will require the following:
  • An Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI), valid for 5 days from the date of inspection, documenting that all animals listed on the OCVI have been inspected and found free of contagious and infectious disease and pests, including NWS. No alternative movement documents will be accepted in lieu of an OCVI.
  • The OCVI must include the statement: "All animals listed on the OCVI have been inspected and are free from screwworm larvae infestation."
  • OCVI documentation that all animals listed on the OCVI have been treated with an effective treatment for NWS.
• No shelter animals may be imported into Florida from an infested state. Shelter animals include any warm-blooded animals within the custody or care of a public or private animal shelter, humane organization or animal control agency originating from an infested state.

Restrictions for High-Risk Areas

• All warm-blooded animals originating from a high-risk area and entering Florida must be accompanied by an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI), valid for five days from the date of inspection, documenting that all animals listed have been inspected and found free of contagious and infectious diseases and pests, including NWS.
• No alternative movement documents will be accepted in lieu of an OCVI.
• The OCVI must include the statement: "All animals listed on the OCVI have been inspected and are free from screwworm larvae infestation."
• The OCVI is valid for no more than 5 days from the date of veterinary inspection.

Although there have been no detections of New World Screwworm in Florida, FDACS continues to coordinate closely with the United States Department of Agriculture, state animal health officials, veterinarians, livestock producers, and wildlife partners to monitor developments and respond as needed.

The New World Screwworm is a destructive parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. While eradicated from the United States decades ago, recent detections in Mexico and the southern United States have prompted heightened vigilance and preventive measures.

FDACS encourages veterinarians, livestock owners, animal shelters, rescue organizations, and animal health professionals to remain vigilant and immediately report suspected cases.

FDACS is also emphasizing the importance of early detection and reporting. FDACS has created resources to help animal owners and the veterinarian community identify signs of screwworm infestation, which typically appear as slow-healing wounds containing larvae.

Prompt reporting is critical to protect both animal health and the state’s agricultural economy.
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https://www.fdacs.gov/News-Events/P...nimal-Import-Restrictions-for-California-Ariz