Tennessee Response Following New World Screwworm Confirmation in Texas

NASHVILLE - Following the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that a confirmed case of New World screwworm (NWS) was detected in Zavala County, Texas, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is taking steps to protect livestock the potential spread of this invasive pest.

"NWS has not been detected in Tennessee, but we want to be proactively working to prevent the establishment of this pest in Tennessee," State Veterinarian Samantha Beaty said. "Livestock, pets and even wildlife are vulnerable. This parasite can have a tremendous negative impact on our animal populations and associated industries. Early detection is our best defense. Our priority now is to prepare - to ensure surveillance, movement controls, and response plans are in place so that if we do detect NWS, we can act swiftly to protect the health of Tennessee's animals and our agricultural industries."

The State Veterinarian has instituted a temporary order implementing more stringent requirements for warm-blooded animals moving out of an infested area into Tennessee. These stricter requirements ensure that animals are thoroughly inspected and prophylactically treated prior to movement and allow officials to effectively implement other control measures.

In addition to the temporary order, the State Veterinarian's Office is focused on implementing enhanced surveillance measures and providing outreach and education related to prevention, management and treatment.

TDA Animal Health field staff and Foreign Animal Disease diagnosticians are ready with materials to collect and submit larvae and fly specimens should a suspected case arise. This preparedness ensures that any detection can be confirmed quickly and accurately.

If you are a livestock producer, pet owner, veterinarian or interact with wildlife:

• Inspect animals regularly, especially any wounds, tick bite sites, dehorning or ear‐tagging areas, or orifices, for signs of infestation.
• Limit the movement of animals that may have been exposed, especially if traveling near the U.S.-Mexico border region or through areas with confirmed cases.
• If you suspect NWS, contact the State Veterinarian's Office at 615-837-5120 or the USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge at 615-517-2642. On weekends and evenings, call 866-536-7593.

The following are USDA information links on New World screwworm:

New World Screwworm

Pest Alert: New World Screwworm

New World Screwworm What You Need to Know

Stop Screwworm: Unified Government Response to Protect the U.S.

USDA New World Screwworm Emergency Response

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is monitoring the spread of NWS and coordinating with USDA, Department of the Interior and other federal and non-governmental partners using the One Health approach to prevent spread to people and animals, both domestic, including livestock and companion animals, and wild animals.

NWS was previously found in the United States, Mexico and Central America. It was eradicated in the United States in the 1960s, in Mexico in the 1970s, and in Central America in the early 2000s.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Animal Health Division is responsible for promoting animal health in Tennessee. The State Veterinarian's Office seeks to prevent the spread of disease through import and movement requirements, livestock traceability, disaster mitigation, and the services of the C.E. Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory. The division collaborates with other health-related stakeholders, academic institutions, and extension services to support One Health, an initiative to improve health for people and animals.

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