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

The news details how the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) has implemented stricter interstate animal import regulations to prevent the spread of the New World Screwworm (NWS) following recent detections in parts of the United States.

Background on the Threat

The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a dangerous parasitic fly whose larvae (maggots) feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, including livestock, companion animals, wildlife, and humans. Female flies lay eggs in open cuts, wounds, tick bites, or mucous membranes. If left untreated, severe infestations can turn fatal within a week or two. While the pest was eradicated from the United States decades ago, recent isolated detections in southern agricultural regions prompted immediate biosecurity actions.

Key Entry Requirements

To safeguard Georgia’s livestock sector and animal population, the state tightened rules for warm-blooded animals entering from or traveling through designated infested or surveillance zones:

• Entry Permits: Transporters and owners bringing animals from impacted areas must secure an official Georgia Entry Permit from the state veterinarian’s office prior to transit (typically required at least 48 hours before entry).

• Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI): Animals must be examined by an accredited veterinarian within a short window prior to travel. The health certificate must explicitly state that the animals have been inspected and found free of screwworm larvae and active lesions.

• Treatment and Inspection: Certain species and pets (such as dogs traveling from high-risk zones) may require preventive treatment with approved anti-parasitic products and verification that any wounds are non-infested and treated.

Instructions for Livestock Owners and Pet Handlers

• Monitor Symptoms: Watch for signs of infestation, such as non-healing wounds, draining fluids with a foul odor, visible white maggots, listlessness, or unusual head shaking and irritation.

• Prompt Reporting: Any suspected infestation must be reported immediately to the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division or local veterinary authorities to prevent local transmission.