Pennsylvania Implements Quarantine to Guard Against New World Screwworm Threat
The state agriculture department has issued a quarantine order restricting movement of susceptible animals and urged heightened biosecurity after New World screwworm cases were confirmed in neighboring states.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture announced a quarantine effective June 9 that limits the entry of domestic animals vulnerable to New World screwworm from areas where the pest has been reported. The order requires veterinary inspections, animal-health certification and other preventive steps before such animals can be transported into the state.
State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said the measure is intended to protect Pennsylvania’s livestock, pets, wildlife and broader agricultural economy, noting that no cases have been confirmed locally but the pest poses a serious threat. > "Pennsylvania has no confirmed cases of New World Screwworm, but this destructive pest poses a serious threat to our livestock industry, companion animals, wildlife, and agricultural economy," Redding said.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the first domestic case of the parasite on June 3 in Texas, with additional infestations reported in several Texas counties and in Lea County, New Mexico, as of June 10. State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg warned that the larvae feed on living tissue, causing severe wounds that can become life-threatening if untreated. > "These larvae feed on living tissue, causing severe wounds that can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated," Hamberg said.
Officials advised animal owners, producers, veterinarians and transporters to review the quarantine details and coordinate with state or federal animal-health authorities before moving susceptible animals. The department also listed signs to watch for, such as unusual irritation, head shaking, foul odor, and maggots in wounds, and described adult screwworm flies as slightly larger than houseflies with orange eyes and metallic-blue or green bodies.
The agency is working with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Game Commission and the Environmental Protection Department to monitor and mitigate the risk. Anyone suspecting an infestation is urged to contact a veterinarian and report the case to the Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services.