PIÑON, N.M. – New Mexico animal health officials have confirmed a case of New World screwworm in a beef cow in Otero County.
State and federal officials are continuing to expand surveillance and fly-trapping around affected locations to identify any additional cases and determine whether the pest has spread beyond the affected animals.
“We are working closely with our state and federal partners to investigate these cases, increase surveillance and monitor for additional infestations,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck with the New Mexico Livestock Board.
Officials have established a minimum 12.4-mile radius infested zone around the affected animal’s location. Within this zone, animals must be inspected and, if necessary, treated before moving within or out of the area.
“This is a critical time as we move toward cooler weather. Cold daytime temperatures can slow screwworm activity, but the risk is not completely eliminated,” said New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte. “Strong surveillance and continued coordination with our state and federal partners will help us detect new cases early and limit impacts through the fall and into next spring. We encourage livestock producers and animal owners to remain vigilant, monitor their animals closely and promptly report any suspected cases.”
Animal owners should closely monitor animals for wounds that fail to heal, worsening injuries, maggots in wounds, foul-smelling discharge or unusual irritation around an injury. Anyone who suspects NWS should immediately contact the New Mexico Livestock Board and avoid moving the affected animal.
Additional information, maps of affected areas, reporting resources and updates are available at ScrewwormNM.org.
GRANT COUNTY, N.M. – New Mexico animal health officials have confirmed two additional New World screwworm cases in Grant County, one in a horse and one in a calf.
State and federal officials are continuing to expand surveillance and fly-trapping around affected locations to identify any additional cases and determine whether the pest has spread beyond the affected animals.
“We are working closely with our state and federal partners to investigate these cases, increase surveillance and monitor for additional infestations,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck with the New Mexico Livestock Board.
Officials have established a minimum 12.4-mile radius infested zone around each affected animal’s location. The northernmost zones have been combined into one larger zone, resulting in two separate infested zones in New Mexico. Within these zones, animals must be inspected and, if necessary, treated before moving within or out of the area.
“We appreciate the continued cooperation of livestock producers, veterinarians and animal owners as we respond to these additional cases,” said New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte. “Early detection and prompt reporting are critical to limiting the spread of this pest. We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and work closely with animal health officials.”
Animal owners should closely monitor animals for wounds that fail to heal, worsening injuries, maggots in wounds, foul-smelling discharge or unusual irritation around an injury. Anyone who suspects NWS should immediately contact the New Mexico Livestock Board and avoid moving the affected animal.
Additional information, maps of affected areas, reporting resources and updates are available at ScrewwormNM.org.
The second confirmed case of New World screwworm that was confirmed in Grant County on September 17, 2026, has now become inactive. The infestation was found in a horse with a leg wound. The horse had never left the property, nor had any of the other animals or people, therefore the case was determined to be locally acquired. An infested zone and surveillance zone were established right away and will remain in place for at least 3 to 4 lifecycles of the NWS fly. See screwwormNM.org to view the zone map and additional updates.
On August 24, 2026, USDA reopened the Douglas, AZ, port to cattle imports from Mexico, guided by overlapping safeguards and a science-based import protocol jointly agreed upon between the United States and Mexico.
On September 24, 2026, USDA reopened the Santa Teresa, NM, port to cattle imports.
The reopening timeline for Columbus, NM will remain flexible and may be adjusted based on Mexico’s progress in meeting Action Plan milestones and addressing critical issues.
The New Mexico Livestock Board is proud to announce that as of October 1, 2026, the State Meat & Poultry Inspection Program has officially entered into a cooperative agreement with USDA Food Safety Inspection Services (FSIS). Please click on the “Meat & Poultry Inspection” tab under the directory column to see more information regarding licensing requirements as well as helpful resources for state processors.