06/19/2026
IMPORTANT NEWS FOR THOSE TRAVELLING WITH PETS:
Washington state has placed a temporary emergency restriction on animals travelling into the state. This is effective immediately and required to help contain the spread of New World Screwworm.
1. What is NWS?
NWS is a parasitic fly that affects any warm blooded animal, including humans. It is spread when the insect lays larvae in an open wound or body opening, and can lead to serious wounds and even death if untreated. While it cannot be spread directly from animal to animal, an infected animal will release NWS via flies or maggots, where NWS can go on to affect animals up to about 12 miles away, making it extremely important to limit its range. NWS had been eradicated from the US, but cuts to monitoring and inspection programs for imported cattle and other livestock have allowed for confirmed cases in Texas and New Mexico.
2. What does this mean for my pets?
Current rules for pets - defined as dogs, cats, and ferrets - are that prior to entering the state they must have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (aka a Health Certificate) issued within five days before entry. This means if you are travelling with your dog to Texas, for example, you will need a health certificate issued before you can bring your dog back into state lines to confirm they are free from infection. This affects travel by train, plane, water, and car. You can be pulled over or sent through checkpoints and asked to show your CVI/HC if coming from an affected area.
If planning travel to an affected country or state with a known return date, find a veterinary practice at your destination that issues CVI/HC and schedule your appointment as soon as possible before you arrive. This will be the easiest way to ensure a smooth trip.
3. And other animals?
Animals from affected areas that are not personal pets are prohibited. This includes sale, trade, and change of ownership.
4. How do I know if my travel area is affected?
www.screwworm.gov is currently the hub for tracing NWS and contains fact sheets and maps that are helpful for travel. Washington state's agricultural office is also a good resource for information, linked below.
5. How long will this be in effect?
Right now, we don't know how long these rules will be maintained. It greatly depends on the success of containment in Texas, New Mexico and any other possible states that start outbreaks.
Please spread this information to anyone planning summer travel with their pets. You should check all travel destinations out of the country. Texas and New Mexico are currently the only states affected, but this may change rapidly, so keeping abreast of the situation is vital.
The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living flesh, causing severe wounds in animals and humans. Though eradicated in many regions, it remains a threat where still present.
