• FluTrackers.com Inc. does not provide medical advice. Information on this web site is collected from various internet resources, and the FluTrackers board of directors makes no warranty to the safety, efficacy, correctness or completeness of the information posted on this site by any author or poster. The information collated here is for instructional and/or discussion purposes only and is NOT intended to diagnose or treat any disease, illness, or other medical condition. Every individual reader or poster should seek advice from their personal physician/healthcare practitioner before considering or using any interventions that are discussed on this website. By continuing to access this website you agree to consult your personal physican before using any interventions posted on this website, and you agree to hold harmless FluTrackers.com Inc., the board of directors, the members, and all authors and posters for any effects from use of any medication, supplement, vitamin or other substance, device, intervention, etc. mentioned in posts on this website, or other internet venues referenced in posts on this website.
  • We are not asking for any donations. Do not donate to any entity who says they are raising funds for us.

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

Screenshot 2026-10-15 233025.webp


 

USDA Continues Phased Reopening of Southern Border Ports for Livestock Imports​


USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is continuing its phased reopening of southern border ports for livestock imports from Mexico, supported by enhanced safeguards against New World screwworm (NWS) and ongoing evaluations of animal health conditions.

On October 26, 2026, APHIS will reopen the Columbus, New Mexico, port of entry to cattle imports. If conditions continue to support safe trade and all required inspection arrangements and infrastructure are in place, the next port scheduled to reopen to cattle imports will be Nogales, Arizona, on November 30, 2026.

Additionally, on October 26, 2026, APHIS will resume the importation of equines from Mexico via land crossing through the Santa Teresa, New Mexico, port of entry.

Under APHIS’ updated protocols, horses and other equines imported from Mexico will continue to undergo a rigorous inspection and treatment process prior to export, followed by a seven-day quarantine period before being released into the U.S.  

Equines entering through Santa Teresa will complete quarantine at a USDA-approved facility located on the U.S. side of the border. Quarantine facilities on the Mexican side of the port of entry will remain closed at this time.  

USDA is taking a measured approach to reopening equine imports. Beginning operations at Santa Teresa will allow the agency to evaluate the implementation of the updated safeguards and confirm they are working as intended before expanding to additional locations.  

Following this evaluation, USDA will consider resuming equine imports through other approved ports of entry and approved quarantine facilities, including USDA-approved facilities in Mexico, as conditions warrant and animal health safeguards continue to be met.  Additional information on equine import requirements is available on the APHIS website.

USDA will continue to assess conditions at additional ports of entry and will make further reopening decisions based on animal health risks, operational readiness, and the continued effectiveness of mitigation measures. For the latest information on New World screwworm and USDA’s phased reopening of southern border ports to livestock imports, please visit Screwworm.gov.  

 
via email




[td]

​

USDA Confirms First Detection of New World Screwworm in U.S. Wildlife​

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the first detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in wildlife in the United States, in an elk in Pecos County, TX. The elk was located on a game ranch and was reported after being harvested by a hunter.

This detection highlights the critical role hunters, landowners, outdoor enthusiasts, and wildlife professionals play in helping detect and stop the spread of NWS. Early reporting is one of the most important tools we have to protect wildlife, livestock, and pets in the United States.

The Texas Animal Health Commission will modify a previously established infested zone, and USDA and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are conducting additional wildlife surveillance in the area.

Hunters Can Make a Difference​

Hunters and others who spend time outdoors near infested areas are often among the first people to encounter affected wildlife, making their observations especially valuable to surveillance and response efforts.

As hunting seasons continue across Texas and other States, hunters are encouraged to stay alert for signs of NWS when observing, harvesting, or processing wildlife.

Watch for:

  • Visible maggots (larvae) in wounds or body openings
  • Open, draining, or enlarging wounds
  • Foul-smelling injuries
  • Animals that appear weak, lethargic, isolated, or in distress
  • Signs of infestation around the nose, mouth, ears, eyes, or genital areas
If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately. Fast reporting helps animal health officials respond quickly and helps limit the pest's spread.

For information on identifying and reporting potential cases in wildlife, please see USDA's wildlife resources at Screwworm.gov Wildlife Information. The site includes signs to watch for, reporting guidance, and additional resources for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

Together, we can help protect America's wildlife, livestock, and natural resources from New World screwworm.
​


1792640140504.webp

 
via email


[td]
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
[/td]​
[td]

USDA Confirms New World Screwworm in Arizona​

Contact: aphispress@usda.gov
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 28, 2026—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed a case of New World screwworm (NWS) in a dog in Cochise County, Arizona. This is the first detection of NWS in Arizona.
Samples from the dog were tested and confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. APHIS is working closely with the Arizona Department of Agriculture on a joint response.

New World screwworm is a serious pest that affects livestock, pets, wildlife, and, less commonly, people. The larvae feed on living tissue and can cause severe wounds, animal suffering, and significant economic impacts if not detected and treated quickly.

APHIS and Arizona animal health officials are implementing response activities outlined in the APHIS NWS Response Playbook, including:

  • Establishing a 20‑km infested zone around the latest detection implementing animal movement controls for the area 
  • Increasing live animal surveillance and trapping
  • Releasing sterile flies
  • Implementing targeted outreach to local producers, veterinarians, and communities

Guidance for Pet and Livestock Owners​

USDA urges animal owners in the area to inspect animals daily for:

  • Draining or enlarging wounds;
  • Maggots or egg masses in wounds;
  • Signs of discomfort or irritability; and
  • Lesions around body openings, including the ears, nose, genital area, and umbilicus.
Anyone who suspects an infestation should immediately contact a veterinarian, state animal health official, or USDA. Information about reporting suspect cases is available on the USDA NWS reporting page.

A complete list of confirmed NWS detections in the United States is available on USDA’s public dashboard at screwworm.gov under “Current Status.” The dashboard is updated daily at 6:00 p.m. ET.

Additional information about New World screwworm, prevention, reporting, and current response efforts is available at screwworm.gov.

[/td]​
 
Source: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-confirms-new-world-screwworm-arizona

USDA Confirms New World Screwworm in Arizona
Contact: aphispress@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 28, 2026—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed a case of New World screwworm (NWS) in a dog in Cochise County, Arizona. This is the first detection of NWS in Arizona.

Samples from the dog were tested and confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. APHIS is working closely with the Arizona Department of Agriculture on a joint response...
 

1793303716093.webp

Arizona Detects First Confirmed Case of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Cochise County, Arizona​

October 28, 2026
Category

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 28, 2026
CONTACT: pio@azda.gov

PHOENIX, Ariz. - On October 28, 2026, the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Arizona's index (first) case of New World screwworm (NWS). The confirmed case was found in a canine in Cochise County when a local veterinarian examined the animal on the evening of October 26 and identified a wound on the canine's back heavily infested with maggots consistent with NWS characteristics. Scientific testing, in coordination with federal partners, verified the species.

"We have been preparing for this possibility for a long while and are acting swiftly," said State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Wolker. "Because of the extensive outreach, coordination, and surveillance already in place, Arizona producers, veterinarians, and pet owners know what to look for and how to report suspected cases. That preparation is allowing us to move quickly to protect animal health in the state."

The affected animal is under veterinary care and AZDA is working with the attending veterinarian and the owner to gather additional information. This information will guide any necessary epidemiologic investigation and local response actions. Consistent with federal NWS protocols, AZDA is coordinating closely with USDA, neighboring states, and Mexican counterparts to ensure this case is integrated into regional NWS response efforts. Federal response actions from USDA will include establishing an Infested Zone, increasing animal surveillance, and conducting outreach to local partners. AZDA has also advocated for the release of sterile flies in the area to help suppress the fly population and prevent the pest from becoming established. Plans for a Sterile Fly Dispersal Facility in Douglas, Arizona continue to move forward.

Over the past year, AZDA has proactively communicated with livestock owners, pet owners, Tribal partners, industry stakeholders, and animal health professionals about NWS detections in Texas, New Mexico and Sonora to educate on the importance of vigilant wound inspection and prompt reporting. AZDA in collaboration with the University of Arizona's Arizona Livestock Incident Response Team (ALIRT) has conducted over 60 table top exercises, industry workshops, train-the-trainer sessions, and other NWS educational events. These communication efforts have been accompanied by enhanced surveillance activities and rapid response planning designed to ensure that any suspected case in the state is identified, investigated, and addressed quickly.

We encourage livestock owners, livestock auctions, processing facilities, pet owners, animal shelters, hunters, and other allied stakeholders to be extremely vigilant and observant with animals in their care or custody. If any unusual wounds are noticed that appear to be infested with maggots consistent with NWS, please report those immediately to diseasereporting@azda.gov or by calling 602-542-4293 during business hours 8:00AM-5:00PM Monday through Friday. Similarly, if hunters or other outdoor recreationists encounter wildlife that appear to be infested, please contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 623-236-7201. Please ensure that GPS coordinates of the approximate location of the wildlife are captured. Current information regarding the NWS situation in Arizona can be found here.

###

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom