Veterinary - New World Screwworm

Interstate Movement Requirements for New World Screwworm Detection

Due to the detection of New World Screwworm in the United States, effective immediately and in accordance with this notice, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will enforce additional interstate movement health requirements for warm-blooded animals entering North Carolina from states affected by a New World Screwworm Infested Zone.

All warm-blooded animals imported into North Carolina from an Infested Zone must have an accredited veterinarian complete the normal importation requirements and comply with the NWS National Continuity of Business Standardized Animal Movement Guidance . The ICVI shall be valid for no more than 7 days from the date of inspection and must also include the statement, “All animals listed have been inspected and found free of evidence of NWS infestation.” An entry permit number must be requested at least 48 hours prior to movement.

Please email NC-ICVI@ncagr.gov during normal business hours (M-F from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM EST) to request a permit number. 

All warm-blooded animals entering North Carolina from outside an Infested Zone but within a Surveillance Zone must have an accredited veterinarian complete the normal importation requirements and be accompanied by an ICVI including the statement, “All animals listed have been inspected and found free of evidence of NWS infestation.” The ICVI shall be valid for no more than 7 days from the date of inspection. 

If you have any questions, please call the NCDA&CS Livestock Health Programs office at (919) 707-3250 and choose option 4.

USDA Confirms Presence of New World Screwworm in the United States

On June 3, 2026 the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the detection of a New World screwworm (NWS) in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas. Larvae were identified in the umbilical area of the affected animal. 

New World screwworm (NWS, Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a serious pest that affects livestock, pets, wildlife, and, less commonly, people and birds. Adult NWS flies can look very similar to houseflies, and the maggots (larvae) require laboratory identification to tell apart from our native fly maggots. The NWS larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals and they cause extensive damage to wounds by feeding on this healthy tissue. New World Screwworm is a reportable disease in the United States. If you suspect New World Screwworm maggots in a wound call your local veterinarian or the appropriate authorities: 

For domestic livestock including horses, cattle, sheep, goats, or farmed cervids

          NCDA&CS  (919) 707-3250

          or

          USDA AVIC for NC (919) 855-7700

For cats or dogs call:

          NCDA&CS (919) 707-3250

For wildlife suspect cases call the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission:

          866-318-2401 or email HWI@ncwildlife.gov

For human suspect cases call the NC Department of Health and Human Services – Communicable Diseases Branch:

          919-733-3419

For updates on the New World Screwworm outbreak sign up for our email alerts.

USDA Press Release June 3: USDA Confirms New World Screwworm in Texas

Texas Animal Health Commission NWS Webpage: Texas Animal Health Commission