By Staff Reporter |
Several states are imposing new restrictions on Arizonans travelling with their pets due to the screwworm outbreak.
The first verified cases of the New World Screwworm in Arizona last month prompted Florida and California to restrict travel for Arizonans traveling with their pets. As of last Friday, the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) has reported a total of five cases across Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, and Santa Cruz counties.
Of the infections detected to date, two were in dogs, two were in horses, and one was in a sheep. The first case was announced on Oct. 28, in Cochise County.
As of Nov. 9, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported 124 confirmed detections of animal cases. 122 were domestic, with 61 active and 61 inactive. Two were wildlife and feral cases, both inactive.
Arizonans traveling to California with their pets must provide proof that those pets aren’t infected with the New World Screwworm by showing an electronic, not paper, certificate of veterinary inspection issued by an accredited veterinarian that contains a New World Screwworm statement, an entry permit obtained prior to movement off the origin premises, and negative EIA tests for all horses.
The New World Screwworm statement on the electronic certificate of veterinary inspection must read: “All animals were inspected and found free of evidence of New World Screwworm infestation.” Arizonans must arrive in California within seven days of inspection for their official certificate of veterinary inspection to be considered valid.
Arizonans traveling to Florida with their pets must provide proof that those pets aren’t infected with the New World Screwworm by showing an official certificate of veterinary inspection that confirms the animals are free of infection or have been effectively treated for New World Screwworm.
Arizonans must arrive in Florida within five days of inspection for their official certificate of veterinary inspection to be considered valid.
The New World Screwworm is a parasitic fly that lays its larvae in the open wounds and other orifices of warm-blooded animals. The larvae burrow into and feed on the living tissue of their host.
Signs of New World screwworm infestation include visible maggots in wounds or body openings; open, draining, or enlarging wounds; foul-smelling injuries; and animals that appear weak, lethargic, isolated, or in distress.
Live animals within an infested zone restriction, which span 12.4 miles, cannot exit without state veterinarian inspection authorization.
The Arizona Department of Agriculture provides regular updates on confirmed cases, infestation zones, and other public notices regarding the New World Screwworm.
Unusual wounds in domesticated animals that appear to be infested with maggots consistent with New World screwworm should be reported immediately to diseasereporting@azda.gov or by calling AZDA at 602-542-4293 during business hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Signs of New World screwworm in wildlife should be reported immediately, along with GPS coordinates of the animal’s approximate location, to the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 623-236-7201.
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