Pennsylvania Issues Quarantine Order Amid Heightened Risks of New World Screwworm
The order requires veterinary inspections and health certificates for susceptible animals as officials warn the parasite has caused more than 185,000 cases in nearby regions.
- Effective June 9, the Pennsylvania Department issued a quarantine order establishing strict movement restrictions and health requirements for susceptible animals entering the state to prevent New World Screwworm spread.
- Secretary Russell Redding announced the measure after cases were reported in Texas and New Mexico, following the parasite's northward migration through Central America and Mexico that caused more than 185,000 animal cases since 2023.
- New World Screwworm larvae burrow into open wounds, causing fatal damage to livestock, pets, and wildlife; Pennsylvanians should monitor for irritated behavior, head shaking, the smell of decay, and maggots in wounds.
- Producers must now ensure animals meet new health certification requirements before shipping, while anyone suspecting an infestation should contact their veterinarian and the Pennsylvania Department Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services.
- A 2025 Nature study suggests climate change could help create conditions where screwworms take hold in the United States, though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes human infections remain rare and localized.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Pennsylvania issues quarantine amid rising risk of screwworm
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture announced it is issuing a quarantine order to limit animal movement and tighten biosecurity amid the rising risk of New World Screwworm. Secretary Russell Redding said that farmers must protect their livestock after cases of NWS have been reported in Texas and New Mexico. “Pennsylvania has no confirmed cases of […]
PA quarantine order issued as New World Screwworm confirmed in U.S.: What to know
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) -- A quarantine order has been issued, focused on limiting animal movements and biosecurity in the wake of the heightened risks of New World Screwworm (NWS). In light of the order, Pennsylvania farmers and pet owners are urged to tighten biosecurity to protect their livestock and pets following confirmed cases of NWS in [...]
Some states tighten up movement restrictions as screwworm cases multiply
WASHINGTON — Authorities have now detected 12 cases of New World screwworm in the United States since June 3, with all but one in Texas. Now, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and other states far outside the affected region have responded by restricting animal movement and ramping up surveillance to protect their herds. On June 9, Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding issued a quarantine order limiting animal movements and urging Pennsyl…
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