Following additional detections of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Texas and New Mexico, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced today that the department will be further strengthening Florida's already aggressive efforts to prevent the reintroduction of the destructive pest into the state by implementing Emergency Rule, 5CER26-7 [126.4 kB ] .
The updated emergency rule expands restrictions on animal imports from affected areas, prohibits the importation of rescue and shelter dogs and cats from states with confirmed NWS detections, revises the definition of "infested zones" to any county with a confirmed NWS detection and its surrounding counties, and extends Florida's temporary moratorium on the importation of warm-blooded animals from affected areas through June 12, 2026.
"New World Screwworm remains an ever-changing situation, and Florida's response will continue to evolve as the facts on the ground evolve," said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. "We will respond based on facts, not fear. But we will also continue to be the most aggressive state in the nation when it comes to protecting our livestock, pets, wildlife, people, and agricultural economy from this threat. As additional detections have been confirmed in Texas and New Mexico, we are strengthening what are already some of the strongest protections in the country to keep Florida prepared and protected."
The Emergency Rule was initially issued on June 5 following the detection of New World Screwworm in Texas. Today's updates further strengthen those protections based on the latest information available from animal health officials and federal partners.
Source : fdacs.gov