TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Although no New World Screwworms have been detected in Florida, the state’s Commissioner of Agriculture is bolstering efforts to prevent reintroduction.
According to a press release from Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, the updated emergency rule, initially issued on June 5, is expanding restrictions on animal imports from impacted areas.
New World Screwworms have been detected in Texas and New Mexico.
The emergency rule also prohibits the importation of rescue and shelter dogs and cats from states with confirmed screwworm detections and extends Florida’s temporary moratorium on the importation of warm-blooded animals from affected areas through June 12, according to the press release.
All warm-blooded animals coming from a “high-risk” area and entering Florida must be accompanied by an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection certifying they are free from screwworms.
Imports of warm-blooded animals originating from a county with confirmed NWS detection or any surrounding county is prohibited until June 12.
“New World Screwworm remains an ever-changing situation, and Florida’s response will continue to evolve as the facts on the ground evolve,” 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.”
Even though there have been no detections of New World Screwworm in Florida, FDACS continues to coordinate with the United States Department of Agriculture and other officials to monitor developments.
New World Screwworms do not infest meat, fruits, vegetables or other food sources. They are a destructive parasitic fly whose larva feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit this website.
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