Florida Expands Screwworm Precautions
Florida is expanding its New World Screwworm precautions following a recent detection in the Mexican state of Sonora.
Four California counties and five Arizona counties have now been added to Florida’s list of high-risk areas. That means warm-blooded animals coming from those areas face additional inspection requirements before entering the state.
Under Florida’s emergency rule, animals coming from high-risk areas must have an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection showing they’ve been inspected and found free of diseases and pests, including New World Screwworm. That inspection is valid for five days.
This all very much includes a close eye on Texas following previous detections.
There have been no detections in Florida, but state officials continue to monitor developments closely.
New World Screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Livestock owners and veterinarians are being urged to watch for signs and quickly report suspected cases.
For more on this development, visit https://www.fdacs.gov/News-Events/Press-Releases/2026-Press-Releases/Following-Additional-New-World-Screwworm-Detection-in-Mexico-Commissioner-Wilton-Simpson-Announces-Animal-Import-Restrictions-for-California-Ariz
