What’s Hot in Legislation

July 21, 2026

The New World Screwworm Impact on Fanciers

Kelly Crouch, CFA Legislative Information Liaison

The New World Screwworm (NWS) infestation in Texas and New Mexico will impact fanciers traveling to U.S. shows or traveling with pets for any reason. Most states and the federal government have implemented rules on pet travel. Minnesota’s restrictions start with the common ones, but the state adds additional mandates on top of them (see below). Even Texas, with the most screwworm cases, has implemented travel restrictions for animals in and around the infested counties. Complicating matters further, some local governments, such as Palm Beach County, Florida, are considering or have implemented restrictions on pets traveling to or through their jurisdictions. The U.S. eradicated the screwworm in 1966, and a small outbreak in Florida in 2017, so this will be completely new to many of us.

The NWS fly lays eggs in open wounds or in the mouth, nose, and ears of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Of the 39 cases  detected, three have been in dogs. None have been detected in cats yet. Infestations spread most widely through eggs laid on hosts and developing pupae. These maggots are more dangerous than others because they feed on live tissue, which can cause secondary bacterial infections or even death. Most fly larvae feed on dead tissue.

Understandably, states and localities that are not yet affected by the NWS want to remain that way. Show managers and fanciers need to understand these laws will vary from place to place. Some restrictions use the term ‘import’, but since an infected animal that is only passing through or staying temporarily can cause new infestations, one wonders whether the term is defined more broadly than usual in those cases. While the police could inspect animals in cars, it is more likely fanciers will run into hotels and airlines requiring proof that any animals they are traveling with are Screwworm-free. Animal control may also visit shows to require proof, much like they sometimes do with rabies vaccinations.

The only way to stop infestations is with sterilized flies. It takes time to sterilize enough flies to stop the infestation, and it will be months before a facility can produce sterilized flies in large quantities. Thus, the problem and the restrictions will be here for some time. Hopefully, fanciers will not have to deal with an NWS infection; however, Texas A&M University has an article on detecting and preventing infections here . The American Veterinary Medical Association has information on treating NWS  Examine your pets frequently and treat all wounds and umbilical cords with approved insecticides. Given the small number of NWS cases, fanciers should not fear attending shows in uninfected areas, but should include NWS travel preparedness in their travel plans and decisions. Links to the federal website and state resources with active NWS restrictions are available here . Local jurisdictions are not listed but should be checked for pet travel requirements. As this is a developing situation, more jurisdictions may implement or change their own programs to supplement federal requirements.

—————————————————————————————————————————-

Minnesota Board of Animal Health Import Restrictions for NWS

( https://www.bah.state.mn.us/new-world-screwworm):

Minnesota Import Requirements for Dogs and Cats Entering from States with New World Screwworm (NWS) Infestations and Endemic Areas:

  • Animals from USDA-designated active NWS sites will not be allowed import to Minnesota. The Board of Animal Health will allow imports from states with USDA-active cases if they meet all import requirements outlined in this policy.
  • A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) must be issued by an accredited veterinarian within 72 hours prior to transport. The CVI is valid for seven days from the date of issuance. The CVI must include the USDA-required certification attesting the animal has been inspected and determined to be free of NWS and that all applicable NWS import requirements have been satisfied.
  • Email a valid rabies vaccination certificate or pet passport to pet. travel.bah@state.mn.us no later than three days before the animal’s arrival in Minnesota.
  • An EPA- or FDA-approved NWS treatment must be administered to dogs and cats following the manufacturers’ dosing guidelines. The product name, dosage and date of treatment must be listed on the CVI and also emailed to pet.travel.bah@state.mn.us within five days of departure.
  • All animals will be quarantined for a minimum of five days upon arrival in Minnesota. Board of Animal Health staff will verify the quarantine is being followed and confirm quarantine release details.
  • Animals that do not meet import requirements will be quarantined for a minimum of 10 days and must be examined by a licensed veterinarian, who must confirm in writing that the animal is free of NWS and note the exam date.
  • Immediately notify pet.travel.bah@state.mn.us if any signs of NWS develop during quarantine.”

You are the eyes and ears of the cat fancy! Is detrimental legislation happening in your area? Please let us know. Contact the CFA Legislative Group at legislation@cfa.org

CFALegislativeNews: https://www.facebook.com/CFALegislativeNews

CFA Legislative Group Blog:  https://legislative.cfa.org/