VDACS Advises Livestock Producers and Animal Owners to Inspect Animals Regularly for New World Screwworm

Pest remains in southern border states, Virginia animal entry requirements are unchanged

Richmond, Va. –As the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) monitors and responds to cases of the New World Screwworm pest in Texas and New Mexico, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) advises livestock producers and animal owners to stay vigilant and follow Virginia’s existing animal entry requirements.

New World Screwworm (NWS) refers to the larval stage of a fly indigenous to Central America that can threaten livestock, pets, wildlife, and, in rare cases, people, if it goes untreated. The pest was previously eradicated in the U.S. in 1966, but this month cases have been confirmed in calves in Texas and a dog in New Mexico. NWS larvae attach to living tissue through open wounds or mucous membranes, with young animals like calves being most susceptible. For livestock producers and owners of other warm-blooded animals, the most important preventative measure is to inspect animals regularly. If an animal has a wound that looks suspicious or is getting larger, animal owners should consult a veterinarian immediately. Animals can recover from NWS infection if it is detected and treated without delay.

The Commonwealth of Virginia maintains robust requirements for any animal entering the state, including a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and a permit number. These requirements remain in place. USDA has imposed additional inspection requirements for animals in the infested zone of southern border states before they can move out of the zone.

“As with any pest or disease outbreak, we encourage livestock producers and animal owners to stay informed and engaged with their animals’ health,” said VDACS State Veterinarian Dr. Charlie Broaddus. “If New World Screwworm does find its way to Virginia, we are ready to respond and help protect the health of our animal populations. We are fortunate that with NWS not surviving in sustained temperatures below 46 degrees, Virginia is not at risk for NWS to become established here long-term.”

NWS infection does not make beef or other meat unsafe, so there is no threat to food safety in the U.S. The USDA has been tracking and responding to NWS for many years and continues to scale its response to the pest’s reentry into the country. The NWS population is combated with Sterile Insect Technique, in which sterile male flies are bred and released into the environment to prevent the fly’s population growth. As sterile fly production capacities are increased, it is anticipated that NWS will be pushed back out of the U.S.

VDACS will continue to monitor the NWS outbreak and will advise animal owners and residents if any further action is to be taken in the Commonwealth. The most up-to-date information about NWS in the U.S. is available on the USDA website screwworm.gov and in the USDA NWS Response Playbook. Information on Virginia animal admissions requirements is available at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/animals-animal-admissions.shtml. Questions about animal health in Virginia can be directed to the VDACS Office of Veterinary Services at 804-786-2483 or vastatevet@vdacs.virginia.gov.