Stay vigilant to prevent this destructive pest from entering our state!
New World Screwworm (NWS), Cochliomyia hominivorax, has not been detected in Georgia. However,
in early June 2026, a detection of NWS in the United States was confirmed in Zavala County, TX. NWS
is endemic in the Caribbean, and there is currently an active outbreak in Central America and Mexico.
“I cannot emphasize enough the importance of our livestock producers and animal owners putting eyes on their animals regularly and immediately reporting any suspicious wounds and maggot infestations.” – Dr. Janemarie Hennebelle, State Veterinarian, Georgia Department of Agriculture
Commissioner Tyler Harper released a statement on 06/04/2026 regarding the detection of New World Screwworm in Texas. Read the full statement here.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) has issued new entry requirements for certain warm-blooded animals entering Georgia from affected areas. Effective June 5, 2026, animals from infested zones must have an entry permit requested at least 48 hours before movement, while animals from surveillance zones or high-risk counties must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection confirming they are free of screwworm infestation. Review the Full Requirements here.
What is the New World Screwworm?
- NWS are flies that produce maggots capable of infesting the living tissue of warm-blooded animals including pets, livestock, wildlife, and humans.
- NWS flies are attracted to wounds and mucous membranes, and can infest an animal through tick bites, cuts, dehorning, castration, or branding sites, for example. Infestations are common in the navels of newborn animals.
- Left untreated, infestations can become fatal within 7-14 days.
Signs of Infestation
- Creamy, white maggots in wounds of live animals
- Clear or blood-tinged discharge from a wound
- A foul odor
- Non-healing wound that grows as maggots feed on living tissue
- Discomfort & head-shaking
- Decreased appetite
- Separation from the herd or flock
Is there a Risk to Human Health?
At this time, the detection of New World Screwworm in an agricultural setting in Texas does not
represent an increased risk for Georgia citizens who do not have risk factors specific to New World
Screwworm, such as travel to impacted areas. Details on risk factors and what to look for in humans
can be found at cdc.gov/new-world-screwworm/situation-summary/index.html or screwworm.gov.
Reporting Possible Infestation
- Report NWS in Domestic Animals: Report possible NWS infestations in domestic animals, including livestock, to the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division
- Phone: 404.656.3667
- Email: AnimalHealth@agr.georgia.gov
- Report NWS in Wildlife: Report possible NWS infestations in wildlife, to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Game Management Regional Office.
- Find the contact information for each region: georgiawildlife.com/about/contact
Client Resources
- NWS Informational Handout
- NWS Reporting Handout
- GDA Georgia-entry requirements from Texas
- Pet Dogs Import into the US – For dogs traveling to the United States from Mexico, a required screwworm freedom certification must be issued by a clinical veterinarian trained and authorized to sign on behalf of the official government veterinarian.
Other Resources
- State-by-State Reporting Guidelines:
- Animal health professionals (veterinarians; diagnostic laboratories; public health, zoo, or wildlife personnel; and others) report diagnosed or suspected cases of nationally listed reportable animal diseases to APHIS Area Veterinarians in Charge and to the State animal health official as applicable under State reporting regulations.
- Stress Management
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