The California State Veterinarian has declared an Animal Quarantine for any animals entering California from states' affected by New World Screwworm (NSW) - effective June 12, 2026, at 9AM. Earlier this month, NWS was identified in a calf in Texas by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
This animal quarantine applies to:
- all livestock - cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and camelids;
- equine - horses, mules, and donkeys;
- domesticated poultry - chickens, turkeys, waterfowl, peacocks, guinea fowl, pigeons, upland gamebirds, and ratites;
- captive cervids - deer, elk, moose, and reindeer, and
- companion animals (dogs, cats, pet psittacines/parrots, rabbits, and domestic rodents.
Visit the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) for up to date information about NWS and to sign-up for live texts.
To learn more about NWS - read this factsheet provided by CDFA.
USDA APHIS has also compiled a photo gallery of NWS in various stages as well as animal infestation and treatment for educational purposes. The below image is an example. Please be aware some of these images are graphic.
