Arizona officials confirmed its first New World screwworm (NWS) case on Oct. 28 after a Cochise County veterinarian found maggots in a wound on a dog’s back two days earlier.
Testing confirmed the pest, and the dog remains under veterinary care. State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Wolker said preparation helped officials respond quickly.
Arizona is working with USDA and regional partners to monitor NWS and coordinate response efforts. Federal officials will establish an infested zone, and Arizona has requested sterile fly releases to prevent the pest from taking hold. Livestock and pet owners should check wounds closely and report suspicious maggots promptly to state animal health officials.
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service reported 36 NWS cases in October and 11 in November as of Nov. 3.
