Florida is tightening its borders against out-of-state animals following new detections of the destructive New World Screwworm in Texas and New Mexico. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson issued a strict new emergency rule on Wednesday, expanding bans on rescue and shelter pets from affected states and locking down transit rules for livestock and other warm-blooded animals.
The parasite, a fly whose larvae burrow into and feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, was eradicated from the United States decades ago but has recently resurfaced in Mexico and parts of the American South. Florida officials noted that while the screwworm does not affect meat, fruits, or vegetables and poses zero threat to the human food supply, it remains highly dangerous to livestock, domestic pets, and local wildlife.
Under Emergency Rule 5CER26-7, all rescue or shelter dogs and cats originating from any state with a confirmed screwworm case are completely barred from entering Florida until further notice. Furthermore, the state has placed a total moratorium on all warm-blooded animals coming from counties with confirmed detections—as well as their neighboring counties—through June 12, 2026.
Once that temporary moratorium expires after June 12, any warm-blooded animal moving into Florida from those designated infested zones will face strict entry requirements. Owners will be required to obtain an official Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Certificate of Animal Movement, secure a prior permission number at least two days before arrival, and provide documentation showing the animals have been treated with a preventative or corrective screwworm medication.
Animals arriving from broader high-risk areas must also travel with an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection that is valid for only five days from inspection. This paperwork must explicitly state that all listed animals have been examined and are completely free of screwworm larvae. State officials confirmed that alternative transit documents will no longer be accepted.
“New World Screwworm remains an ever-changing situation, and Florida’s response will continue to evolve as the facts on the ground evolve,” Commissioner Simpson said. “We will respond based on facts, not fear. But we will also continue to be the most aggressive state in the nation when it comes to protecting our livestock, pets, wildlife, people, and agricultural economy from this threat. As additional detections have been confirmed in Texas and New Mexico, we are strengthening what are already some of the strongest protections in the country to keep Florida prepared and protected.”
The emergency action marks an escalation of Florida’s ongoing preventive strategy, which began with a statewide awareness campaign in May 2025 and initial import restrictions in April 2026. Governor Ron DeSantis also approved an amendment to an active executive order on Wednesday to assist the agricultural department’s defense efforts. Simpson added that he is “grateful to Governor DeSantis for supporting swift action and providing us with as many tools in the toolbox to combat this threat to Florida.”
While no cases of the screwworm have been detected within Florida, state agricultural officials are working with federal partners, veterinarians, and wildlife groups to monitor the borders. Residents, livestock owners, and veterinarians who notice slow-healing wounds containing larvae are urged to contact FDACS immediately at (850) 410-0900. Suspected infestations in wild animals should be reported directly to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
READ: Trump Admin Unveils Sweeping Plan To Protect U.S. Cattle From Screwworm Threat
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