PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Agriculture announced Friday that a fifth case of new world screwworm has been confirmed in a Graham County dog, bringing the state total to five. In response, neighboring states are tightening rules for pets traveling out of Arizona.
New travel requirements
Owners who plan to take dogs or other pets to California or Florida must obtain a certificate of veterinary inspection that verifies the animal is free of screwworm. The certificate must be issued before the trip; veterinarians who cannot provide the paperwork should be contacted early, as not all clinics carry the necessary forms.
What is new world screwworm?
New world screwworm is a parasitic fly that lays eggs in open wounds. The eggs hatch into maggots that feed on living tissue, causing severe damage if untreated. The disease spreads when flies lay eggs on wounds, especially in warm, wet conditions.
Advice from veterinarians
MedVet veterinarian Dr. Raegan Wells warned, “I have not seen anything like this in my career.” She urged pet owners to watch for new wounds that worsen quickly, particularly those that develop tiny maggots. Dr. Wells recommends calling a veterinarian well before travel dates to arrange the required health certificate.
Impact on pet owners
“It does scare you because they say if your dog has an open wound, especially with flies. Flies have been really bad, especially with all this rain we’ve been having,” said Michael McFall, whose 11‑year‑old blue heeler, Freckles, now faces the added concern of meeting the new travel rules.
Another resident, David Dawson, expressed similar worries, noting the importance of staying vigilant for signs of infection.
Where to find more information
Both California and Florida agriculture departments provide detailed guidance on their websites about the required documentation and any additional health checks. Pet owners with questions should contact their veterinarian promptly, as rules can change and differ by destination.
For the latest updates on Arizona’s screwworm cases and travel advisories, visit the Arizona Department of Agriculture website.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
