Movement rules eased after state’s only confirmed case remained isolated to Lea County
CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – Federal officials have approved the release of New Mexico’s only New World screwworm infested zone, easing animal movement rules after no additional cases were found following the state’s first confirmed case in June.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced Sunday, August 30, that it had approved the release of the New Mexico zone after reviewing the recommendation from New Mexico State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck and the New Mexico Livestock Board.
The release is effective August 30.
New Mexico’s first and only confirmed case of New World screwworm myiasis was detected June 7 in a dog. The case was tied to Lea County, near Eunice, and prompted state and federal officials to establish an infested zone, increase animal inspections, monitor wildlife and flies, and conduct strategic sterile fly releases.
According to APHIS, no additional cases have been detected in New Mexico since that initial confirmation.
Lifting the zone removes New World screww orm-related requirements on domestic movement of livestock and pets from the affected area. Producers and animal owners may now resume normal intrastate and interstate movement without New World screwworm inspection requirements from that zone.
The decision also allows APHIS to work with international trading partners to address and negotiate the removal of New Mexico-specific export restrictions related to New World screwworm.
The state’s only confirmed case remained isolated, and the animal health response did not expand into western New Mexico. However, officials continue to urge vigilance because New World screwworm remains a serious threat to livestock, pets and wildlife if it is introduced again.
New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warmblooded animals. It can infest open wounds and vulnerable areas of the body, causing severe injury and death if left untreated. It is not contagious in the way many animal diseases are; the fly lays eggs on wounds or mucous membranes, and the larvae then feed on living tissue.
During the state’s response, officials repeatedly emphasized that early detection is the best defense. Animal owners should continue checking cattle, horses, dogs and other animals for wounds that are not healing, maggots or egg masses, signs of discomfort, or lesions around the ears, nose, genitals or umbilical area.
Anyone who suspects screwworm should contact a veterinarian, the New Mexico Livestock Board, a local NMSU county extension agent or USDA animal health officials.
APHIS said it will continue working with New Mexico agriculture officials to maintain fly trapping and wildlife surveillance to watch for any future risk of New World screwworm introduction.
The agency said the New Mexico release reflects the importance of early detection, rapid response and close coordination between state and federal officials.
More information is available at screwworm.gov.