APHIS Approves Release of New World Screwworm Infested Zone in New Mexico

 

Contact: aphispress@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 30, 2026—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has approved the release of the only New World screwworm (NWS) infested zone in New Mexico, concurring with the recommendation made by New Mexico’s state veterinarian, Dr. Samantha Holeck, and the New Mexico Livestock Board (NMLB).

“New Mexico’s animal health officials have been exceptional partners throughout our response to New World screwworm. Their vigilance, expertise, and deep commitment to protecting livestock and wildlife exemplify the strong state–federal collaboration that makes our national safeguarding system work,” said Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Dudley Hoskins. “Today’s milestone reflects not only New Mexico’s leadership, but the impact of USDA’s aggressive, science‑driven actions to slow NWS spread and keep case numbers low across the United States. Together, we’re proving that early detection, rapid response, and close coordination are the keys to protecting producers, communities, and the health of our nation’s animals.”

This action comes after state and federal subject matter experts confirmed that New Mexico met all requirements outlined in APHIS’ New World Screwworm Response Playbook (884.59 KB) for zone release. No additional cases have been detected since the initial confirmation on June 7. The infested zone is officially released as of today, August 30.

On June 7, the State of New Mexico detected its first—and only—case of NWS myiasis in a dog. APHIS and New Mexico officials quickly responded to the detection, establishing an infested zone and carrying out additional response activities including:

• Domestic animal movement requirements and animal inspections
• Wildlife and fly surveillance
• Strategic sterile NWS fly releases

Lifting the infested zone removes the NWS-related requirements on the domestic movement of livestock and pets from that area, allowing producers and owners to resume normal intrastate and interstate movement without inspection for NWS. It also enables APHIS to work with international trading partners to address and negotiate removal of New Mexico‑specific NWS‑related export restrictions.

APHIS will continue to work closely with New Mexico agriculture officials to ensure fly trapping and wildlife surveillance continue in New Mexico to monitor for any future risk of NWS introduction. The agency remains committed to science‑driven surveillance, early detection, and rapid response measures nationwide.

For more information about NWS and the current situation, please visit screwworm.gov.