The flesh-eating New World Screwworm has resurfaced in South Texas, prompting Florida officials to immediately clamp down on animal imports to keep the destructive parasite out of the Sunshine State.
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson issued Emergency Rule 5CER26-6 after the United States Department of Agriculture confirmed the pest’s presence in Texas. The emergency order slaps strict, temporary restrictions on any warm-blooded animals trying to enter Florida from designated high-risk areas and infested zones.
“In light of the recent New World Screwworm detection in South Texas, Florida is taking aggressive action to best protect our state and our agricultural producers from this very serious threat,” Simpson said. “We know how costly and dangerous this pest can be to our agricultural producers if it takes hold, and we will use every tool at our disposal to protect our state. We’re also calling on Florida’s producers, veterinarians, animal health professionals, and the public to remain aware and act quickly if they suspect something unusual. We are going to need a unified front to respond to this threat.”
Under the new rules, any warm-blooded animal coming from a designated high-risk area must have an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI) that is only valid for five days from the date of inspection. This certificate must explicitly state: “All animals listed on the OCVI have been inspected and are free from screwworm larvae infestation.”
The rules for designated “infested zones” are even stricter. Florida has banned all warm-blooded animal imports from these zones until June 10, 2026. After that date, importers must secure a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Certificate of Animal Movement, complete with a prior permission number requested two days before arrival. This process requires a five-day OCVI, proof that the animals were treated with an effective screwworm treatment, and a movement certificate from the state of origin.
While the parasite has not been detected in Florida, the state’s warm climate and large animal population make it highly vulnerable. The New World Screwworm targets warm-blooded animals and was officially eradicated from the United States more than forty years ago. Officials stressed that the parasite lays larvae in wounds and does not infest meat, fruits, or vegetables, meaning it poses zero risk to the food supply.
The FDACS is urging livestock producers, veterinarians, and the public to inspect animals for slow-healing wounds containing larvae. Anyone who suspects an infestation can contact the FDACS at (850) 410-0900 during business hours, 1-800-342-5869 after hours, or report online at www.FDACS.gov/RAD. Suspicious wildlife injuries should be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-3922.
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