BISMARCK, N.D. – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed the detection of New World screwworm (NWS) on June 3 in Texas cattle. Animal owners are reminded that Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVIs) are needed to import animals into North Dakota, and additional requirements are in place for states with an active NWS quarantine in place. Since the first announcement, there have been more cases in Texas and a dog in New Mexico.
NWS is a parasitic fly whose larvae can affect all warm-blooded animals, including but not limited to cattle, sheep, goats, horses, dogs, cats, birds, poultry, deer and elk. Animals coming to North Dakota from any state which has an active NWS quarantine in place, are required to be accompanied by a pre-entry permit number prior to import into North Dakota. The permit number is to be listed on the CVI.
USDA and Texas officials are taking immediate action to contain and eradicate NWS from the United States, and the North Dakota Department of Agriculture’s animal health division is working closely with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) veterinary staff and other state veterinary offices, including Texas, to maintain open communication and prompt coordination in any necessary responses.
“If you are bringing animals in from, or traveling into high-risk areas, monitor your animals for wounds. If you notice any suspicious wounds on your animal, have a veterinarian look at it,” State Veterinarian Dr. Ethan Andress said. “Horse owners traveling with an Extended Equine Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (EECVI) should be aware the EECVI will not be accepted from infested states and will require an inspection and CVI with permit.”
Individuals planning to travel to Mexico with pets should visit the USDA-APHIS Pet Travel Website for the latest guidelines.
“Proper documents help to quickly identify and isolate infected animals, trace their movements and stop further spread,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said. “We rely on the cooperation of owners to help safeguard the health of animals and livestock.”
“When NWS infestations are found, infestations can be treated with several FDA-approved products,” Andress said. “A prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent significant losses.”
Full details on animal movement and importation requirements may be found on the North Dakota Department of Agriculture’s website.
Those with questions may contact the North Dakota Department of Agriculture’s animal health division at 701-328-2655 or doa-bah@nd.gov.