Pennsylvania taking preventive action against New World screwworm
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is taking no chances with New World screwworm and has issued an official quarantine order to prevent an infestation of the pest, which has been detected in parts of Texas, New Mexico and northern Mexico.
The order bars any “susceptible species” of domestic animal originating from an NWS-infested area until the animal has been inspected by an accredited veterinarian and determined to be free of New World screwworm. In addition, there is to be no importation of any animal originating from another area currently under quarantine for NWS until the quarantine is cleared. The order includes other provisions for import restrictions and requirements, as well as treatment of imported animals.
New World screwworm is considered a dangerous parasite for livestock and other warm-blooded creatures. Larvae are known for burrowing into the flesh of living animals — particularly newborns — creating gaping wounds and infections. While it is possible for the screwworm to infect humans, the Department of Agriculture says the risk to humans is low.
As of Sunday, June 14, there have been 12 confirmed cases of New World screwworm detected in Texas and New Mexico this month. The disease has been found in cattle, sheep and one dog.
Pennsylvania’s quarantine order officially took effect on Tuesday, June 9.
