HARTFORD, CT — The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) announced new requirements for all domestic animals coming into Connecticut to prevent the spread of New World Screwworm (NWS), following detections in Texas and New Mexico. To date, there have been no cases of New World Screwworm detected in Connecticut.
The Order issued by State Veterinarian, Thamus J. Morgan, DVM, MPH, DACVPM requires that the certifying veterinarian’s Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) include an affirmative statement that the animal, if originating from an infested zone or adjacent surveillance zone has been examined for open wounds and for clinical signs or evidence of New World Screwworm infestation and has been found to be free of both, this requirement applies to all susceptible species of domestic animals, even if they were otherwise exempt from providing a CVI to the State Veterinarian under the applicable import statute for that animal.
Domestic animals, including dogs and cats, originating from an infested zone must be treated by an accredited veterinarian with a systemic product with United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), or United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authorization for use against NWS, prior to entry and must be within the labeled duration of action of the product upon entry into Connecticut.
The full Order issued by CT DoAg can be found here.
“This Order is the first line of defense to protect Connecticut’s agricultural industry and companion animals,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “All animal owners – companion and livestock – should watch for signs of infestation and strengthen biosecurity practices to mitigate the introduction of New World Screwworm to the state.”
CT DoAg urges livestock producers and pet owners to check animals thoroughly as early detection is critical. Symptoms of NWS include foul odor, presence of draining or expanding wounds and maggots or eggs around the edges and deep into the wound. Young animals are especially susceptible, especially around the navel, nose, and ears.
If a livestock producer or pet owner suspects NWS infection, they should contact the Connecticut State Veterinarian at 860-713-2505.
Connecticut has been engaging with the other New England states to ensure Orders are highly coordinated in an effort to prevent New World Screwworm from establishing in the Northeast. CT DoAg is also coordinating with the Connecticut Department of Public Health and Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to monitor the situation and ensure state agencies are aligned in the event NWS is introduced in Connecticut.
"Emerging animal health threats like New World Screwworm deserve our attention precisely because the health of animals and people are closely connected," said Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, M.D."DPH is working in close coordination with our partners at CT DoAg and DEEP to stay ahead of this situation. For now, Connecticut has no confirmed cases, and we want to keep it that way. We encourage all pet owners and livestock producers to follow the guidance issued by DoAg."
“We strongly support DoAg’s efforts to proactively reduce the risk of NWS entering our state,” said Katie Dykes, Commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. “While currently being detected in domestic animals, NWS has the potential to have devastating impacts on our native wildlife populations and if spillover occurs, control and eradication will be much more difficult. Coordinated efforts like this to address One Health issues keep people, agriculture, wildlife and our ecosystems safe.”
Additional information on NWS and proactive measures can be found on CT DoAg’s New World Screwworm webpage or the USDA’s website: https://screwworm.gov.
Reason for This Requirement
New World Screwworm is a serious foreign animal disease that causes rapid tissue destruction and poses a significant threat to animal welfare and public health. The State Veterinarian is responsible for issuing disease‑control directives to prevent the introduction or spread of such diseases within Connecticut.
Term of Order Requirements and Compliance
All examinations and preventative treatments conducted on or after the date of this Order must comply with these requirements until October 31, 2026, or earlier termination or modification of these Order requirements. These Order requirements may be extended if deemed necessary by the Connecticut State Veterinarian. Failure to maintain complete and accurate examination and treatment records may result in penalties as provided under Connecticut law.
