Georgia tightens animal entry rules after screwworm case in New Mexico, tell me about this news in (https://www.wrdw.com/2026/09/21/georgia-tightens-animal-entry-rules-after-screwworm-case-new-mexico/)

Here is a summary of the news reported regarding Georgia tightening animal entry rules:

Background on the Outbreak

The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a dangerous parasite whose larvae burrow into and feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. While eradicated from the United States decades ago, detections resurfaced near the southern border in Texas and New Mexico.

Although Georgia had briefly eased restrictions for New Mexico in early September after a previous infested zone was cleared, officials moved quickly to reimpose stricter safeguards following the confirmation of a new screwworm caseidentified on September 17 in a horse located in Grant County, near Mimbres, New Mexico.

Key Measures and Requirements

To protect Georgia’s multi-billion-dollar livestock industry and domestic pets, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), led by Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, reinforced interstate movement controls:

• Scope of Animals: The restrictions apply to all warm-blooded animals entering Georgia from affected and designated surveillance areas.

• Health Certificates and Inspections: Animals originating from designated infested or high-risk zones must have a valid Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) completed shortly before travel, certifying that the animals are free of screwworm larvae and visible open wounds.

• Permitting Requirements: Transporters moving animals from designated zones into Georgia must secure an official entry permit from the state’s livestock division prior to arrival.

• Quarantine and Monitoring: Local authorities in New Mexico established a minimum 12.4-mile infested zone and an outer surveillance perimeter around the Mimbres area, while Georgia authorities remain on heightened alert at state inspection checkpoints.