Following New World Screwworm Detection in Texas, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson Issues Emergency Rule to Further Protect Florida
~ With the USDA confirming the detection of the New World Screwworm in South Texas, Florida Places Heightened Requirements on Animal Imports ~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Following the United States Department of Agriculture confirming the detection of New World Screwworm (NWS) in South Texas, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson today took aggressive action and issued Emergency Rule 5CER26-6, which places heightened restrictions on the importation of warm-blooded animals into Florida from designated infested zones and high-risk areas.
“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,” said Commissioner Simpson. “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.”
The emergency rule imposes the following temporary restrictions on the importation of warm-blooded animals originating from designated infested zones and high-risk areas, listed here:
High-Risk Areas
- All warm-blooded animals originating from a high-risk area being imported into Florida must be accompanied by an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI), valid for 5 days from the date of inspection, documenting that all animals listed on the OCVI have been inspected and found free of contagious and infectious disease and pests, including NWS. No alternative movement documents will be accepted in lieu of an OCVI.
- The OCVI must include the statement, “All animals listed on the OCVI have been inspected and are free from screwworm larvae infestation.”
Infested Zones
- No imports of warm-blooded animals from infested zones until June 10, 2026.
- After June 10, all warm-blooded animals originating from an infested zone being imported into Florida must receive an FDACS Certificate of Animal Movement with prior permission number, applied for two days in advance of arrival. Apply here.
- The FDACS Certificate of Animal Movement will require the following:
- An Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI), valid for 5 days from the date of inspection, documenting that all animals listed on the OCVI have been inspected and found free of contagious and infectious disease and pests, including NWS. No alternative movement documents will be accepted in lieu of an OCVI.
- OCVI documentation that all animals listed on the OCVI have been treated with an effective treatment for NWS.
- Treatment/Movement Certificate from originating state.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is also urging veterinarians, livestock producers, and animal health professionals to remain vigilant.
Although there have been no detections in Florida, FDACS is closely coordinating with federal and regional partners to monitor and respond to the situation. The New World Screwworm, a destructive parasite that targets warm-blooded animals, was eradicated from the U.S. more than four decades ago. Its return would pose a serious threat to livestock, wildlife, and domestic animals, particularly in states like Florida with warm climates and abundant animal populations.
To be clear, New World Screwworms do not infest meat, fruits, vegetables, or other food sources, and thus pose no risk to the food supply.
FDACS is also emphasizing the importance of early detection and reporting. FDACS has created resources to help animal owners and the veterinarian community identify signs of screwworm infestation, which typically appear as slow-healing wounds containing larvae. Prompt reporting is critical to protect both animal health and the state’s agricultural economy.
Anyone who suspects the presence of New World Screwworms or has questions or concerns can contact:
To report sick or injured wildlife, including a suspected screwworm infestation, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) or email the Wildlife Health Team at WildlifeHealthTeam@MyFWC.com.
For more information, resources, and updates, visit FDACS.gov/NWS.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.
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