TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has implemented new import requirements for animals entering the state from areas affected by the New World screwworm in an effort to protect livestock, pets and public health.
The restrictions, which took effect immediately, were developed in consultation with the New Jersey Department of Health following the recent detection of the New World screwworm in Texas.
New World screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax, is a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into and feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, including livestock, pets, wildlife, birds and humans. Infestations can cause severe, and sometimes fatal, injuries.
Although no cases have been detected in New Jersey or neighboring states, agriculture officials said confirmed cases in Texas and New Mexico demonstrate the potential for the pest to spread through the movement of animals.
“Protecting New Jersey from this dangerous insect is the purpose of the animal movement and restrictions we are putting in place,” said Ed Wengryn, New Jersey secretary of agriculture. “The larvae feed on the living flesh of infected animals, so it is a risk to livestock, domestic pets, and humans. The goal of the regulations is to ensure animals coming to New Jersey from infected states are not bringing the fly or larvae with them.”
“The risk to New Jerseyans from New World Screwworm is very low. But public health means acting before a threat arrives, not after,” said Dr. Raynard E. Washington, New Jersey’s health commissioner. “We know animal health, environmental health, and human health are deeply interconnected. These new movement requirements are a smart, proactive step to keep people and livestock safe in our state.”
Under the new requirements, domestic animals that are infested with or suspected of being infested with New World screwworm, or that originate from a quarantined premises, are prohibited from entering New Jersey.
Animals coming from other locations within affected states must undergo a veterinary examination within five days before entering New Jersey. The examination must be documented on a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.
In addition, dogs, cats, rabbits and exotic pets originating from states with an infested zone or adjacent surveillance zone must be treated by an accredited veterinarian with a systemic product effective against the pest before entering New Jersey.
Livestock originating in or traveling through an affected or adjacent surveillance zone also must obtain movement approval from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture before entering the state.
State officials are urging animal owners to remain alert for signs of infestation. Anyone who suspects New World screwworm in an animal should contact a veterinarian or the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health at 609-671-6400.
