New Mexico screwworm infested zone lifted by USDA

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has approved the release of the New World screwworm (NWS) infested zone in New Mexico. This decision follows recommendations from New Mexico’s state veterinarian, Dr. Samantha Holeck, and the New Mexico Livestock Board.

The action comes after officials confirmed that New Mexico met all requirements of the APHIS New World Screwworm Response Playbook. No additional cases have been detected since the initial confirmation of NWS myiasis in a dog on June 7. In response to that single case, authorities implemented wildlife and fly surveillance, animal inspections, and strategic sterile NWS fly releases.

Lifting the infested zone removes NWS-related requirements for the domestic movement of livestock and pets from the area. This allows producers and owners to resume normal intrastate and interstate movement without the need for inspections.