Wisconsin is tightening import requirements for livestock and warm-blooded animals to block the destructive New World Screwworm (NWS) from entering local farms. This swift defense responds directly to federal containment efforts in Texas and New Mexico, where the parasite has recently re-emerged. Because Wisconsin regularly imports animals from southern states, routine livestock movement poses a high risk for introducing the pest. Therefore, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) issued a temporary order adding strict health mandates. The order takes effect Tuesday, July 21, and remains active until the state veterinarian lifts it.
This parasitic fly presents a unique threat because its larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, unlike common maggots that consume dead tissue. Consequently, the larvae invade healthy flesh through open wounds, causing severe and potentially fatal infections in livestock, pets, wildlife, and humans.
To combat this, the temporary order adds critical safeguards to existing Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) regulations:
- From non-infested zones: The animal’s CVI must explicitly confirm it did not originate in an affected area.
- From active NWS zones: Importers must secure a DATCP permit 48 hours before movement. Additionally, the CVI must document the exact origin, verify that inspectors found no screwworms within five days of transport, and list all treatments.
Meanwhile, state officials urge producers to strengthen biosecurity and closely monitor traveled animals for unusual wounds or larvae.
Ultimately, these temporary import restrictions are intended to protect Wisconsin’s vital livestock industry while federal and state officials continue efforts to contain the parasite in affected regions.
