06/16/2026
From the AKC Government Relations Department
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/emerging-issue-new-world-screwworm-impacts-on-health-interstate-travel-with-dogs-2/
Updated: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Since the beginning of June 2026, cases of New World Screwworm (NWS, hereinafter screwworm) have been detected in southwest Texas and New Mexico. These are the first cases of NWS in the United States in 60 years. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and state departments of agriculture and health officials are working together to address the issue.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends that all dog owners, or anyone who works with dogs, to learn about NWS and to stay updated on developments. Additionally, anyone potentially engaging in interstate transportation with dogs—including owners, AKC event competitors, professional handlers, and interstate transporters, including those that are part of shelter and rescue operations—should become familiar with new health requirements imposed to help prevent further spread of the pest.
About New World Screwworm
NWS is a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, typically through an open wound, causing painful wounds, serious infection, and sometimes death. It can affect livestock, wildlife, pets, and occasionally dogs, which may be at risk if they have open wounds or if they come into contact with infested animals or contaminated areas. Though rarely affected, people are also susceptible to NWS larvae.
Despite being eradicated from the U.S. in 1966, NWS remained prevalent in countries throughout the western hemisphere. Following an increase in the number of cases identified in Central America in 2023, NWS was identified in southern Mexico in 2024. When models predicted NWS would enter the U.S. in 2025, USDA invested heavily in tools to address NWS, including expediting the targeted and aerial release of sterile screwworm flies, increased trapping for screwworm files along the southern U.S. border and just outside of the area where sterile flies have been released, implementing NWS surveillance and management strategies in wildlife, and conducting outreach in local areas. Similar strategies were successfully used to eradicate screwworm from the U.S. in 1966 and to eliminate a small outbreak of screwworm in the Florida Keys in 2017. USDA also ensured that the National Veterinary Stockpile was supplied with treatments, equipment, and logistics to support the nation’s response to NWS.
Thankfully, screwworms do not infest meat, fruit, vegetables, or other food sources. USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) ensures that the nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe and properly labeled. Under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), FSIS inspection personnel must inspect all eligible animal species unless they are exempt or covered by a state inspection program.
2026 NWS Confirmed Cases
Click here to view Confirmed Detections of New World Screwworm (by USDA, updated in real time).
Federal and State Responses to NWS
Federal and state officials are responding to NWS by creating or maintaining 20-km infested zones around confirmed detections and imposing quarantines, movement controls, and heightened surveillance in those zones. Some states have created their own rules and restrictions for animals. These should be of particular importance to anyone who engages in interstate travel with dogs.
NEW WORLD SCREWWORM 2026—INTERSTATE ANIMAL MOVEMENT REQUIREMENTS
Compiled by AKC; updated daily, M-F, if needed.
ALABAMA: (1) All warm-blooded animals entering Alabama from an infested zone must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) from an authorized representative declaring all animals listed on the CVI were given effective treatment for NWS. The CVI must also include the statement, “All animals listed on the CVI have been inspected and are free from screwworm larvae infestation.” Additionally, all animals must be inspected within five (5) days of movement, and the CVI will be valid for no more than seven (7) days from the date of inspection. The CVI must include an entry permit number, as approved by the state veterinarian’s office, at least 48 hours prior to entry; and document any effective treatment provided. (2) All warm-blooded animals entering Alabama from outside an infested zone but within a surveillance zone or infested state must be accompanied by a CVI declaring that all the animals listed on the CVI were inspected and found free of NWS. The CVI must include the statement, “All animals listed on the CVI have been inspected and are free from screwworm larvae infestation.” All animals must be inspected within 5 days of movement. The CVI shall be valid for no more than 7 days from the date of inspection.
ARIZONA: All animals originating from an Infested Zone intended for importation into Arizona are required to be accompanied by a Pre-Movement Inspection Certificate, an Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (iCVI), and Entry Permit Number. Animals will be verified by the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) to ensure the data elements for Active Surveillance associated with Pre-Movement Inspections are captured prior to AZDA granting an Entry Permit Number.
ARKANSAS: (1) For animals originating from an NWS affected area, Arkansas now requires a state entry permit plus an iCVI issued within seven (7) days of entry. The iCVI must state that the animals were inspected and found free of screwworm infestation. (2) All warm-blooded animals from Texas must be accompanied by an CVI dated within seven (7) days of entry into Arkansas, which must include the following statement: “All animals were inspected and found free of evidence of NWS infestation.”
CALIFORNIA: A quarantine has been imposed for dogs entering California and originating from a state or USDA-designated state with an active NWS Infested Zone. Dogs known or reasonably suspected of being infested with NWS shall not enter CA unless authorized by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). ICVIs required for animals subject to the quarantine, including those originating from an NWS-Infested Zone, NWS surveillance zone, NWS-Infested state, or other affected area designated by the State Veterinarian must be electronically submitted to CDFA. All animals subject to the quarantine shall meet all inspection, treatment, certification, identification, permit, reporting, and movement requirements. Dogs entering from Mexico shall comply with all applicable USDA NWS screwworm entry requirements and shall obtain a CA Entry Permit. Animals subject to the quarantine must be inspected by a USDA-accredited veterinarian or authorized inspector, as applicable, within the required timeframe and be accompanied by an electronic CVI containing the statement, “All animals were inspected and found free of evidence of NWS infestation.”
COLORADO: Warm-blooded animals from an Infested Zone must enter CO only with approval and a Certificate for Movement from the state animal health office in the state of origin. Movement certificates must be submitted with a CVI. Animals must be inspected by an authorized veterinarian/official within five (5) days prior to movement. Animals with open wounds (without myiasis) must be treated with an authorized product within 14 days prior to movement. An entry permit must be requested from the Colorado State Veterinarian’s Office at 303-869-9130 within 48 hours of movement. Upon arrival in Colorado, animals must be inspected by an authorized veterinarian or official. Standard interstate movement requirements (as listed through CDA’s Animal Import Tool) must still be met. Dogs originating from states with active NWS Infested Zones require additional inspection within five (5) days prior to their entry into CO, including examination for any signs of screwworm, particularly open wounds, which must be treated according to authorized guidelines before movement.
DELAWARE: All warm-blooded animals originating from a state with reported infestations must be accompanied by a CVI issued within 72 hours of movement. It must document that all animals listed have been inspected and found free of contagious and infectious disease and pests, including NWS, and must state, “All animals listed on the CVI have been examined within 72 hours of movement and none have been found to have a wound infested, or potentially infested, with New World Screwworm.”
FLORIDA: All warm-blooded animals originating from a high-risk area and entering Florida must be accompanied by an official CVI, valid for five (5) days from the date of inspection, documenting that all animals listed have been inspected and found free of contagious and infectious diseases and pests, including NWS. The CVI must include the statement, “All animals listed on the OCVI have been inspected and are free from screwworm larvae infestation.” Until June 12, 2026, all imports of warm-blooded animals originating from a county with a confirmed NWS detection or any surrounding county are prohibited. After June 12, all warm-blooded animals originating from a county with a confirmed NWS detection or any surrounding county and entering FL must receive a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Certificate of Animal Movement with a prior permission obtained at least two (2) days before arrival, to include an OCVI and documentation that all animals have been treated with an effective prevention/treatment for NWS. Rescue and shelter dogs and cats originating from states with confirmed CWS detections are prohibited from entering FL until further notice.
GEORGIA: Animals coming from an Infested Zone must follow NWS Movement Guidance from USDA, request a GA entry permit at least 48 hours before intending to enter GA, and obtaining a GA entry permit. Animals coming from outside an Infested Zone in a State or County must be accompanied by a CVI issued within seven (7) days of entry and be inspected and found free of NWS.
IDAHO: For all warm-blooded moving from a designated NWS-infested zone, a CVI issued within five (5) days prior to movement into Idaho and a copy of the movement permit from the state-of-origin that authorizes the animals to leave the infested zone are required. For all warm-blooded animals originating from a state where NWS has been detected, but outside a designated NWS-Infested Zone, a CVI issued within five (5) days prior to movement into Idaho is required.
INDIANA: For all livestock and companion animals coming from an Invested Zone must comply with requirements imposed by USDA and the origin state, and (a) be accompanied by an animal movement certificate provided and approved by the state of origin and approved by the IN State Board of Animal Health, (b) inspected by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within five (5) days of departure, and (c) obtain a CVI issued within five (5) days of movement to IN. CVI must document application of effective treatment for NWS applied within five (5) days of movement. Animals leaving IN for exhibitions or other temporary movements may return on the same CVI used for travel if the CVI is still valid (less than 30 days) and the animal has not traveled into an Infested Zone.
IOWA: Animals imported from a NWS-Infested Zone must confirm and comply with state-of-origin movement requirements; comply with IA’s Animal Admission Health Requirements; and isolate imported animals from other animals for at least two weeks.
KANSAS: Any species originating from an NWS-Infested Zone must meet the movement requirements of the state of origin, obtain a permit from the KS Animal Health Commissioner, and a CVI with the following statement, “All animals listed were individually inspected and found free of wounds.”
KENTUCKY: Domestic pet movements from infested states are encouraged to be accompanied by a (1) permit number from the state veterinarian’s office, (2) CVI issued within 72 hours of entering KY, (3) a signed statement from an accredited veterinarian attesting, “I have inspected the animals included in this shipment and have found them free of clinical signs of NWS myasis”, or state of origin or Kentucky pre-movement inspection forms filled and signed if available; (4) Notation of any NWS treatments given to the animals in the shipment; and (5) a signed statement/form obtained within 24 hours after entry attesting that the animals were inspected by either a private KY accredited veterinarian or their designee, KY Office of State Veterinarian personnel, or KY USDA Veterinary Service personnel, and that the animals were found to be free of NWS.
LOUISIANA: (1) Any species traveling from an NWS-lnfested State, but not originating from or transiting through an NWS-lnfested Zone, may enter Louisiana with an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI/CVI) that includes the statement: ''All animals in shipment do not originate from or transit through an NWS-lnfested Zone." The OCVI/CVI shall not be valid for more than seven (7) days from the date of veterinary inspection. (2) Any species originating from or traveling through an NWS-lnfested Zone, may enter Louisiana only if the following requirements are met: Meet all movement requirements established by the state of origin; obtain a permit from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry/Office of Animal Health and Food Safety; and be accompanied by an OCVI/CVI stating, "All animals listed were individually inspected and found free of evidence of NWS infestation." The OCVI/CVI shall be valid for no more than seven (7) days from the date of veterinary inspection.
MARYLAND: All warm-blooded animals, including dogs, originating from the states of Texas and New Mexico must be accompanied by an official CVI issued within 72 hours of movement, that must document that all animals listed on the OCVI have been inspected and found free of contagious and infectious disease and pests, including NWS. The CVI must contain a statement from the accredited veterinarian attesting that: “All animals listed on the OCVI have been examined within 72 hours of movement and none have been found to have a wound infested, or potentially infested, with New World Screwworm.”
MISSOURI: (1) Any domestic animal originating from a state with an infested zone, but not within an infested zone, can enter Missouri with a Certificate of Veterinary inspection (CVI) that includes the statement “All animals were inspected and found free of evidence of NWS infestation and have not originated from or transited through a NWS infested zone.” (2) Any domestic animal originating from within an infested zone must meet the movement requirements for the state of origin and obtain both an entry permit from the Missouri State Veterinarian’s office and a CVI that includes the statement, “All animals were inspected and found free of evidence of NWS infestation.”
MONTANA: All animals originating from an Infested Zone must have an import permit from the MT Department of Agriculture and a CVI documenting a movement permit or other official document form the state of origin documenting that animals have met the state’s requirements to leave an infested zone; animals listed on the CVI have been administered an approved treatment no less than 72 hours and no more than 14 days prior to entry into MT; a statement confirming all animals are free of wounds and evidence of NWS larvae infestation; official identification of animals listed on the CVI; and the CVI must be issued within five (5) days of movement into MT.
NEBRASKA: All animals originating from an Infested Zone and subject to movement requirements under the NWS Movement Guidance are prohibited from being brought into Nebraska except in compliance with its provisions. Companion animals originating from an Infested Zone are also prohibited from entering the state without a premovement inspection documented on an iCVI within the same timeframe required by the NWS Movement Guidance for farm-raised animals and captured/captive wild or feral animals.
NEW JERSEY: Currently, dogs must meet all regular import requirements.
NORTH CAROLINA: (1) All warm-blooded animals imported from an Infested Zone must have an accredited veterinarian complete the normal importation requirements and comply with the NWS National Continuity of Business Standardized Animal Movement Guidance. An ICVI shall be valid for no more than seven (7) days from the date of inspection and must include the statement, “All animals listed have been inspected and found free of evidence of NWS infestation.” An entry permit number must be requested from the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services at least 48 hours prior to movement. (2) All warm-blooded animals entering from outside an Infested Zone but within a Surveillance Zone must have an accredited veterinarian complete the normal importation requirements and be accompanied by an ICVI including the statement, “All animals listed have been inspected and found free of evidence of NWS infestation.” The ICVI shall be valid for no more than seven (7) days from the date of inspection.
NORTH DAKOTA: All warm-blooded animals from any state which has an active NWS quarantine in place are required to be accompanied by a pre-entry permit number prior to import into ND. The permit number is to be listed on a CVI. The permit expires seven (7) days from last inspection. A statement shall be written on the CVI by the issuing veterinarian: “All animals were inspected and found free of evidence of New World Screwworm infestation.” For shipments coming from the Infested Zone follow the USDA and state of origin guidelines to come out of the Zone.
OKLAHOMA: (1) Any species traveling from an infested state, but not an infested zone, can enter with a CVI that includes a statement “All animals in shipment do not originate from or transit through an Infested Zone.” (2) Any species traveling from an infested state, but not an infested zone, can enter with a CVI that includes a statement, “All animals in shipment do not originate from or transit through an Infested Zone.”
OREGON: Enhanced inspection and preventative treatments are required of animals from any area that is actively infested with NWS prior to entry into OR. All animals must be inspected by a veterinarian and obtain a CVI within five (5) days prior to departing an area infested with NWS. All animals departing an area invested with NWS must be treated with an accepted NWS treatment between 1-14 days prior to departure. Veterinarians must obtain an import permit at least 48 hours prior to animals departing an area infested with NWS.
PENNSYLVANIA: (1) Any susceptible species of domestic animal originating from an infested zone or an infested county, shall not be imported into Pennsylvania until the animal has been examined and determined to be free of NWS by an Accredited Veterinarian. (2) Dogs and cats originating from a state with a quarantine area shall not be imported into Pennsylvania for the purposes of sale, adoption, fostering, or transfer of ownership or possession. (3) Susceptible species of domestic animals originating in quarantine area shall be accompanied by a CVI from an accredited veterinarian or a document indicating freedom from infestation provided by a state or federal health official issued within seven (7) days prior to entry into or transit through Pennsylvania. The CVI or document shall contain a statement that all animals were individually inspected by an accredited veterinarian, state animal health official or federal animal health official and found free of obvious wounds and evidence of NWS infestation. (4) Susceptible species of domestic animals originating in or transiting an infested zone in a Quarantine Area shall be prophylactically treated with a systemic product authorized for use against NWS prior to entry and must be within the labeled duration of action of the product upon entry or transit through PA. The name of the product used, and date and route of administration shall be noted on the CVI. (5) Dogs and cats originating from a Quarantine Area shall have a PA-issued state import permit and a CVI issued by an accredited veterinarian or government animal health official within seven (7) days prior to entry into or transit through PA and shall have been prophylactically treated with a systemic product authorized for use against NWS prior to entry and must be within the labeled duration of action of the product upon entry or transit through PA. The name of the product used and date and route of administration shall be noted on the CVI.
SOUTH CAROLINA: (1) In addition to meeting normal importation requirements, companion animals imported from within an Infested Zone must have an accredited veterinarian (a) complete an inspection following USDA guidance, noting that the animal(s) is free of wounds harboring NWS myiasis before shipping; (b) complete and submit a South Carolina NWS permit request form at least 48 hours prior to movement; (c) complete and submit an ICVI within five (5) days of an inspection, with the required statement, “All animals were inspected and found free of evidence of NWS infestation.” (expires within seven (7) days of inspection); and (6) treat the animal(s) with authorized product prior to entry and records it on the South Carolina NWS permit and ICVI. (2) For animals within an adjacent surveillance zone and for animals outside of an Infested Zone or adjacent surveillance zone, normal importation and inspection requirements must be completed by an accredited veterinarian and accompanied by a ICVI that includes the statement, “All animals were inspected and found free of evidence of NWS infestation.” The ICVI is valid only within seven (7) days of inspection.
SOUTH DAKOTA: (1) All warm-blooded animals originating from an infested state, but outside an Infested Zone, shall be required to have a CVI issued within seven (7) days of inspection. The CVI must include the statement, “All animals listed on the CVI have been inspected and are free of screwworm larvae infestation and do not originate from nor have transited through an Infested Zone.” An entry permit is also required from the South Dakota Animal Industry Board. (2) All warm-blooded animals originating from an Infested Zone must meet the movement requirements of the state of origin and have a CVI issued within seven days of inspection. The CVI must include the statement, “All animals listed on the CVI have been inspected and are free of wounds and screwworm larvae infestation.” An entry permit is required from the South Dakota Animal Industry Board within 48 hours prior to entry.
TENNESSEE: (1) Animals imported from outside an infested zone but within an infested state or a high-risk county shall be accompanied by a CVI from an authorized representative (a federal or state government employee or a licensed and accredited veterinarian) declaring all animals listed on the CVI were inspected and found free of NWS. The CVI must include the statement, “All animals listed on the CVI have been inspected and found free from screwworm larvae infestation.” The CVI shall be valid for no more than seven (7) days from the date of inspection. (2) Animals imported to Tennessee from an infested zone shall be accompanied by a CVI from an authorized representative declaring all animals listed on the CVI were given effective treatment for NWS. The CVI must include the statement, “All animals listed on the CVI have been inspected and are free from screwworm larvae infestation.” The CVI shall be valid for no more than seven (7) days form the date of inspection. Additionally, (a) the CVI must document the treatment by listing the treatment, treatment date, route of administration, medication, and the full name and signature of the authorized representative; (b) the CVI must include prior permission and the entry permit number, as approved by the TN State Veterinarian’s Office at least 48 hours prior to entry into TN; (c) all effective treatments must be administered by or directly overseen by an authorized representative; (d) Effective oral or injected treatments must be administered no less than 12 hours and no more than 14 days prior to entry into TN, while effective topical treatments must be administered no less than 72 hours and no more than 14 days prior to entry into TN; (e) all animals in the shipment must be free of wounds; and (f) if any animal in the shipment is suspected to have NWS or has wounds, the shipment will not be allowed entry until the suspect animal is examined, appropriately tested, effectively treated, and all wounds are healed.
TEXAS: Quarantine and movement-control orders for warm-blooded animals in the infested zone have been issued. Animals generally may not move out of the zone without prior authorization and inspection.
VIRGINIA: Animals from areas with confirmed NWS cases must be inspected and have a CVI and permit number; and follow all requirements of the relevant state and USDA authorities to allow movement out of the established area..
WEST VIRGINIA: All warm-blooded animals imported to WV from an NWS-Infested Zone must comply with USDA guidance and request an entry permit number at least 48 hours prior to movement. All warm-blooded animals imported to WV from outside an infested zone but within a surveillance zone or high-risk county must be accompanied by a CVI declaring all the animals listed on the CVI were inspected and found free of NWS. The CVI must include the statement, “All animals listed on the CVI have been inspected and are free from screwworm larvae infestation.” The CVI shall be valid for no more than seven (7) days from the date of inspection. Only electronic CVIs can be processed for NWS movements.
Steps Dog Owners Can Take to Prevent New World Screwworm Infestation
According to USDA, dog owners should take the following steps to help prevent the spread of NWS:
Watch for signs of NWS, including irritated behavior, head shaking, smell of decay, and presence of fly larvae (maggots) in wounds. Seek immediate veterinary intervention if you suspect your dog is experiencing an NWS infestation.
Treat the umbilical cords of newborn animals, and all wounds immediately, with an approved insecticide.
Protect dogs from other wound-causing parasites like ticks. Oral and topical flea and tick preventatives containing afoxolaner, lotilaner, or sarolaner actively prevent and treat NWS larval infestations in pets.
Make sure pets traveling internationally are inspected for screwworm.
In addition to state-level general interstate dog movement regulations, comply with federal and state animal movement restrictions created to prevent the spread of screwworm (above).
To learn more, read New World Screwworm: What Dog Owners Need to Know (AKC Canine Health Foundation).
Future Updates on NWS
AKC will continue to provide updates on NWS cases and public health requirements as information is released. Bookmark this page for quick access to this information, which will be updated daily, Monday through Friday, if developments so warrant.
For more information, go to www.screwworm.gov; or email AKC Government Relations at [email protected].
Learn how the U.S. Government prevents New World screwworm and what to know about risks, surveillance, sterile-fly control, travel, and more.
