The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has addressed concerns following the detection of New World Screwworm (NWS) larvae on a horse imported from Argentina. The larvae were found during a routine examination at a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) import facility in South Florida. The department clarified that no screwworm cases have been detected outside the quarantine facility.
Dr. Michael Short, State Veterinarian, said, “There is no detection of New World Screwworm in any Florida animal. The detection at the USDA import facility was handled professionally and per existing protocols to ensure the U.S. remains free of this devastating pest.” He also urged Floridians to report any unusual maggot cases due to an ongoing outbreak in Central America.
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson emphasized the importance of focusing on facts amidst misleading information, noting agriculture’s significant role in Florida’s economy. “We are vigilant and proactive in the state of Florida,” he said.
Recently, the USDA announced changes in sterile fly dispersal efforts along the U.S.-Mexico border and reiterated its effective import protocols as demonstrated by this incident. The affected horse will remain quarantined until it is confirmed free of NWS. For more information, Floridians can visit fdacs.gov/nws.
