06/19/2026
Hello my friends. Long time, no type. That software conversion took me out... Next up? An educational post! I know, I know, your favorite, but they are important.
You have probably been hearing about New World Screwworms (NWS for short) on the news. The fly larvae we are most commonly exposed to around these here parts feed on dead tissue. The NWS is a nasty little bu**er that does the opposite and feeds on live tissue. They are mostly endemic to Central America but they have slowly been making their way north. We have recently been made aware of at least one verified case in Texas.
To help combat the spread into Washington, the Washington State Department of Agriculture has instituted some new rules regarding pet and livestock travel into Washington. This will pertain to anyone traveling with their pets to areas where the NWS is known to be. ie:
* Should you travel with your pet to, say, Texas, you will have to have them inspected by a veterinarian and receive a CVI within 5 days of returning to Washington.
* Should you travel to Mexico, your pet will likely be barred from re-entry to Washington.
Unless you are going on a long term sabbatical or relocation, our recommendation to you is to reconsider taking your pet with you while traveling to Southern states, and Central American countries.
I'll post some links here for you to follow up at your leisure for those like me that read everything =)
https://agr.wa.gov/departments/animals-livestock-and-pets/animal-health/animal-diseases/new-world-screwworm?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/nws-myth-busters.pdf
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Learn how the U.S. Government prevents New World screwworm and what to know about risks, surveillance, sterile-fly control, travel, and more.
