Following the detection of New World Screwworm (NWS) in the Mexican state of Sonora, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced today that 4 California counties and 5 Arizona counties are being added to Florida’s list of NWS high-risk areas. Emergency Rule 5CER26-7, previously issued by Commissioner Simpson to help prevent the reintroduction of the destructive pest into the state, imposes heightened restrictions on the importation of warm-blooded animals into Florida from NWS-infested zones and high-risk areas.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Following the detection of New World Screwworm (NWS) in the Mexican state of Sonora, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced today that 4 California counties and 5 Arizona counties are being added to Florida’s list of NWS high-risk areas. Emergency Rule 5CER26-7, previously issued by Commissioner Simpson to help prevent the reintroduction of the destructive pest into the state, imposes heightened restrictions on the importation of warm-blooded animals into Florida from NWS-infested zones and high-risk areas.

“Florida has been out front from the beginning when it comes to protecting our state from New World Screwworm. We have taken proactive steps to prepare for this threat, and we will continue to adjust our response based on where the threat is moving,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “Today’s action reflects the latest information available and ensures Florida’s existing protections are applied to newly designated infested and high-risk areas. We will stay ahead of this threat and continue to protect Florida’s livestock, pets, wildlife, and agricultural economy.”

For the latest information on the New World Screwworm, zone designations, and animal movement requirements, visit FDACS.gov/NWS. Emergency Rule 5CER26-7 imposes the following temporary restrictions:

Restrictions for Infested Zones

• All warm-blooded animals originating from an infested zone being imported into Florida must receive an FDACS Certificate of Animal Movement with a prior permission number, applied for two days in advance of arrival. Apply for an FDACS Certificate of Animal Movement.
• The FDACS Certificate of Animal Movement will require the following:
  • An Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI), valid for 5 days from the date of inspection, documenting that all animals listed on the OCVI have been inspected and found free of contagious and infectious disease and pests, including NWS. No alternative movement documents will be accepted in lieu of an OCVI.
  • The OCVI must include the statement: "All animals listed on the OCVI have been inspected and are free from screwworm larvae infestation."
  • OCVI documentation that all animals listed on the OCVI have been treated with an effective treatment for NWS.
• No shelter animals may be imported into Florida from an infested state. Shelter animals include any warm-blooded animals within the custody or care of a public or private animal shelter, humane organization or animal control agency originating from an infested state.

Restrictions for High-Risk Areas

• All warm-blooded animals originating from a high-risk area and entering Florida must be accompanied by an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (OCVI), valid for five days from the date of inspection, documenting that all animals listed have been inspected and found free of contagious and infectious diseases and pests, including NWS.
• No alternative movement documents will be accepted in lieu of an OCVI.
• The OCVI must include the statement: "All animals listed on the OCVI have been inspected and are free from screwworm larvae infestation."
• The OCVI is valid for no more than 5 days from the date of veterinary inspection.

Although there have been no detections of New World Screwworm in Florida, FDACS continues to coordinate closely with the United States Department of Agriculture, state animal health officials, veterinarians, livestock producers, and wildlife partners to monitor developments and respond as needed.

The New World Screwworm is a destructive parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. While eradicated from the United States decades ago, recent detections in Mexico and the southern United States have prompted heightened vigilance and preventive measures.

FDACS encourages veterinarians, livestock owners, animal shelters, rescue organizations, and animal health professionals to remain vigilant and immediately report suspected cases.

FDACS is also emphasizing the importance of early detection and reporting. FDACS has created resources to help animal owners and the veterinarian community identify signs of screwworm infestation, which typically appear as slow-healing wounds containing larvae.

Prompt reporting is critical to protect both animal health and the state’s agricultural economy.

Anyone who suspects the presence of New World Screwworm should contact FDACS at (850) 410-0900 during business hours or 1-800-342-5869 after hours, email RAD@FDACS.gov, or visit FDACS.gov/NWS for additional information and reporting resources.

To report sick or injured wildlife, including a suspected screwworm infestation, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) or email the Wildlife Health Team at WildlifeHealthTeam@MyFWC.com.

Since the threat of New World Screwworm began moving closer to the United States, Commissioner Wilton Simpson and FDACS have taken a series of escalating actions recently to protect Florida's livestock, pets, wildlife, and agricultural economy:

• February 2025: FDACS formalizes an internal Florida working group to develop guidance for veterinarians, producers, and the public.
• May 12, 2025: FDACS launched a statewide awareness and preparedness campaign, urging vigilance and expanding outreach to veterinarians, livestock producers, shelters, and animal health professionals.
• May 19, 2025: Dr. Michael Short, FDACS State Veterinarian, joins the National Working Group on New World Screwworm for planning and protocol development.
• July 2025: Commissioner Wilton Simpson called upon the USDA, FDA and EPA to develop and quickly approve as many effective NWS treatments as possible.
• April 24, 2026: Commissioner Simpson issued an emergency rule imposing enhanced import requirements on animals from high-risk areas.
• June 5, 2026: Commissioner Simpson issued Emergency Rule 5CER26-6 following USDA confirmation of New World Screwworm in Texas.
• June 10, 2026: Commissioner Simpson issued Emergency Rule 5CER26-7, which strengthens and expands emergency protections, including restrictions on rescue and shelter animals from affected states and expanded geographic import controls.
• June 10, 2026: Commissioner Simpson requested and received approval for an amendment to add the New World Screwworm to Executive Order 2026-117 [ Adobe PDF Document ] issued by Governor DeSantis on the impacts of winter weather, droughts, wildfire risks. Current order here [ Adobe PDF Document ].

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

###