Border Pest Raises Red Flags
A growing livestock threat near the southern border is prompting action that could impact producers across the Southeast.
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson has issued an emergency rule as New World Screwworm detections move within 125 miles of the U.S. border. The state is now placing temporary restrictions on animals imported from high risk counties in Texas, requiring stricter veterinary inspections before entry.
“Today we are taking aggressive action to further protect Florida and our agricultural producers from the real threat of the New World Screwworm,” Simpson said. “We know how costly and dangerous this pest can be to our agricultural industry if it takes hold.”
Under the rule, all warm blooded animals must have an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection confirming they are free of disease and screwworm larvae. That certification is valid for just seven days.
While there are no U.S. detections, officials warn the parasite is moving closer through Mexico. The pest, domestically eradicated decades ago, could threaten livestock, wildlife, and pets across warm weather states if it returns.
