TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Although no New World Screwworms have been detected in Florida, the state\u2019s Commissioner of Agriculture is bolstering efforts to prevent reintroduction.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
New World Screwworms have been detected in Texas and New Mexico. <\/a><\/p>\n The emergency rule also prohibits the importation of rescue and shelter dogs and cats from states with confirmed screwworm detections and extends Florida\u2019s temporary moratorium on the importation of warm-blooded animals from affected areas through June 12, according to the press release.<\/p>\n All warm-blooded animals coming from a \u201chigh-risk\u201d area and entering Florida must be accompanied by an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection certifying they are free from screwworms. <\/p>\n Imports of warm-blooded animals originating from a county with confirmed NWS detection or any surrounding county is prohibited until June 12. <\/p>\n \u201cNew World Screwworm remains an ever-changing situation, and Florida\u2019s response will continue to evolve as the facts on the ground evolve,\u201d Simpson said. \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit this website.<\/a><\/p>\n To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n