New Restrictions on Travel for Arizonans with Pets Amid Screwworm Outbreak
By Staff Reporter
Due to a recent outbreak of the New World Screwworm, several states have implemented new travel restrictions for Arizonans traveling with pets.
Last month marked the first confirmed cases of the New World Screwworm in Arizona, prompting Florida and California to take action. As of last Friday, the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) reported a total of five cases across Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, and Santa Cruz counties. The infections include two dogs, two horses, and one sheep, with the initial case reported on October 28 in Cochise County.
As of November 9, the U.S. Department of Agriculture documented 124 confirmed animal cases, of which 122 were domestic, with 61 classified as active and 61 inactive. There were also two wildlife cases, both inactive.
Travel Requirements for California and Florida
California:
Arizonans traveling to California with pets must provide an electronic certificate of veterinary inspection from an accredited veterinarian. This certificate must confirm that the pets are free from New World Screwworm infestation, include an entry permit, and for horses, negative EIA test results. Travelers must arrive in California within seven days of inspection.
The certificate must state: “All animals were inspected and found free of evidence of New World Screwworm infestation.”
Florida:
For travel to Florida, Arizonans must have an official certificate of veterinary inspection confirming that the animals are free from infection or have been effectively treated for New World Screwworm. Pets must enter Florida within five days of the inspection for their certificate to remain valid.
About New World Screwworm
The New World Screwworm is a parasitic fly that lays larvae in the wounds and orifices of warm-blooded animals. The larvae burrow into and consume the living tissue of their host, causing visible distress. Signs of infestation include:
- Visible maggots in wounds or openings
- Open, draining, or enlarging wounds
- Foul-smelling injuries
- Weakness, lethargy, isolation, or distress in the affected animals
Live animals within the infested 12.4-mile restriction zone cannot exit without inspection authorization from a state veterinarian.
The Arizona Department of Agriculture provides regular updates on confirmed cases, infestation zones, and other notices regarding the New World Screwworm. If unusual wounds consistent with New World Screwworm are found in domestic animals, they should be reported immediately to diseasereporting@azda.gov or by calling AZDA at 602-542-4293 during business hours.
Signs of the New World Screwworm in wildlife should be reported to the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 623-236-7201, along with the GPS coordinates of the animal’s location.
Stay Informed
For more updates and information concerning Arizona news and politics, visit AZ Free News as your reliable news source.
