Arkansas has tightened animal-entry requirements as officials work to prevent the spread of New World screwworm. According to a report in the Arkansas Advocate, warm-blooded animals entering Arkansas from states with confirmed screwworm cases must meet federal restrictions and obtain a state entry permit. Animals arriving from designated infestation zones must follow additional federal guidance. Livestock, pets and other warm-blooded animals entering from affected states must be accompanied by a veterinary inspection certificate. Kevin Van Pelt, agriculture agent with the Conway County Extension Service, says there have been about a dozen confirmed cases so far in the United States…
“This started coming back a few years ago when they started having severe infestations down in Panama, and it’s taken three years to move across Mexico and into the United States,” Van Pelt said. “We do have them coming into Texas now and I think one case in New Mexico on a dog…”
Arkansas has reported no cases, but state officials are taking preventive measures. Van Pelt says you can find out more about the New World screwworm on the Extension Service website – uaex.uada.edu……