Updated Emergency Rule Protects Livestock from New World Screwworm

The Colorado Agricultural Commission reviewed a proposed emergency rule designed to safeguard Colorado's livestock industry against the threat of New World Screwworm (NWS). The Commission recommended that Commissioner Kate Greenberg adopt the updated emergency rule no later than October 9 to replace the NWS emergency that expires today.

"With ongoing NWS outbreaks in neighboring regions and increased international livestock transport, updating our emergency rule is essential to protect the health and safety of Colorado's animals and livestock industry," said State Veterinarian Dr. Maggie Baldwin.

The new rule addresses ongoing risks associated with NWS detections in Texas and New Mexico, rising cases in northern Mexico, and the reopening of international ports for livestock movement.

Key elements of the emergency rule include:

• Streamlined Infested Zone Protocols: Updates and clarifies import requirements for warm-blooded animals originating from established NWS Infested Zones, including mandatory pre-movement inspection, Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued within 5 days, entry permits, authorized treatments for open wounds, and post-arrival inspections.
• International Import Standards: Establishes explicit requirements for animals originating from NWS-affected countries, including Mexico. Animals that satisfy federal import protocols (USDA, CDC, CBP) automatically meet state requirements. However, the emergency rule has added safeguards for other species or unmonitored movements.
• Enforcement & Quarantine Provisions: Grants authority to order quarantines or the return of non-compliant animals to their origin premises, alongside potential civil or criminal enforcement.

More information about the New World Screwworm can be found on CDA's website at ag.colorado.gov/NWS.