New Animal Transport Rules Aim To Prevent Screwworm In W.Va.

In an effort to keep a dangerous insect out of West Virginia, there are new requirements for anyone trying to transport animals into the state.  

The New World Screwworm is a parasitic fly whose unfortunate name comes from its larva which burrow into open wounds on live animals including livestock, wildlife, birds and pets and then destroys their flesh.  

Cases have been reported recently in Texas and New Mexico.  

The state Department of Agriculture has announced an order requiring warm-blooded animals coming from an infested zone to first get an entry permit. Those in a high-risk zone need a certificate of veterinary inspection.  

State veterinarian James Maxwell says the larva can damage tissue and can be fatal.  

“The faster they report any findings, and we do an investigation, and we find it, there’s ways to respond and take care of it and prevent any further spread,” Maxwell said. 

Under the order: 

• All warm-blooded animals entering West Virginia from an identified New World Screwworm infested zone (NWS Confirmed Detections) must comply with national continuity of business movement guidance and obtain an entry permit from WVDA at least 48 hours prior to movement. 

• Animals entering West Virginia from outside an infested zone but within a designated surveillance zone or high-risk county must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) completed within seven days of movement and certifying the animals are free of screwworm larvae infestation. 

“The food supply is not affected,” Maxwell said. “This is not a food thing. Our food supply in the country gets inspected. It’s a live animal thing. It only affects live animals.” 

Permit requests can be submitted by emailing wvpermits@wvda.us. 

Animal owners, veterinarians and transporters can review state movement requirements at InterstateLivestock.com and determine current infested, surveillance and high-risk areas at NWS Confirmed Detections. 

For questions, contact WVDA Animal Health at 304-558-2214 or email wvpermits@wvda.us.