Arizona Reports Increase in New World Screwworm Cases, Prompting Travel Restrictions
Arizona is reporting an increase in New World Screwworm cases, with five confirmed instances. Consequently, California and Florida have implemented new travel restrictions for animals leaving Arizona, requiring a certificate of veterinary inspection to prove pets are screwworm-free before travel.
Phoenix, AZ, November 8, 2026 — A rise in New World Screwworm cases in Arizona has led to the implementation of new travel restrictions by California and Florida for animals departing the affected state. Arizona has confirmed five instances of the parasitic fly, prompting public health and agricultural officials to take preventative measures.
To prevent the further spread of the New World Screwworm, California and Florida have introduced regulations for animals traveling from Arizona. These new rules mandate that animals must possess a certificate of veterinary inspection. This documentation is required to verify that the animals are free from screwworm infestation before they can be transported across state lines into California and Florida.
The New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a parasitic species of blowfly whose larvae infest the wounds of livestock and wildlife, and occasionally humans. The presence of these cases highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in monitoring and controlling the pest. Further details regarding the specific locations within Arizona where the cases were confirmed or the timeline of these occurrences were not immediately available. The veterinary inspection requirement aims to provide a critical checkpoint to mitigate the risk of the pest establishing itself in new regions.
Story summarized from the original created by Molly McBride on www.azfamily.com, see more information here.
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