Follow-Up: First New World Screwworm Detection in Arizona Confirmed in a Cochise County Dog, USDA Sets 20-km Infested Zone
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed on October 28 a case of New World screwworm (NWS) in a dog in Cochise County, Arizona, the first detection of NWS in Arizona. Samples from the dog were tested and confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, and APHIS is working closely with the Arizona Department of Agriculture on a joint response.
APHIS and Arizona animal health officials are implementing response activities outlined in the APHIS NWS Response Playbook, including establishing a 20-km infested zone around the latest detection and implementing animal movement controls for the area, increasing live animal surveillance and trapping, releasing sterile flies, and implementing targeted outreach to local producers, veterinarians, and communities.
New World screwworm is a serious pest that affects livestock, pets, wildlife, and, less commonly, people. Its larvae feed on living tissue and can cause severe wounds, animal suffering, and significant economic impacts if not detected and treated quickly.
USDA urged animal owners in the area to inspect animals daily for draining or enlarging wounds, maggots or egg masses in wounds, signs of discomfort or irritability, and lesions around body openings, including the ears, nose, genital area, and umbilicus. Anyone who suspects an infestation should immediately contact a veterinarian, a state animal health official, or USDA. A complete list of confirmed NWS detections in the United States is available on USDA's public dashboard at screwworm.gov under Current Status, updated daily at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：Arizona州东南部Cochise County一带的San Simon Valley与Chiricahua Mountains。本次确诊的新世界螺旋蝇病例即发生在Cochise County。Karen Fasimpaur摄，CC BY 3.0，经Wikimedia Commons发布。 / The San Simon Valley and Chiricahua Mountains in Cochise County, southeastern Arizona, where the confirmed New World screwworm case was detected. Photo by Karen Fasimpaur, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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- 2026-10-28Follow-Up: First New World Screwworm Detection in Arizona Confirmed in a Cochise County Dog, USDA Sets 20-km Infested ZoneThis story
