Post-Import New World Screwworm Inspections
By Michael A. Short, D.V.M., State Veterinarian and Director of FDACS’ Division of Animal Industry
Welcome to Prescriptions from the State Veterinarian, a new column where I’ll share updates and information on animal health issues affecting Florida’s livestock producers. My goal is to help keep Florida’s cattlemen informed about emerging threats, important requirements, and the work being done to protect our state’s animal agriculture industry.
One issue requiring our attention is New World Screwworm (NWS), a serious threat to livestock. Under the leadership of Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is taking aggressive steps to help prevent its introduction into Florida, including additional importation requirements and follow-up inspections of certain animal shipments after they arrive in the state.
FDACS has implemented an Emergency Rule imposing additional importation requirements for animals moving from NWS-infested zones and high-risk areas. For a list of affected states and counties, information about the Emergency Rule, and additional resources, visit FDAC
What Producers Need to Know
As an added service to Florida producers, some shipments originating from infested zones or high-risk counties may be reinspected at their Florida destination. A member of the FDACS Division of Animal Industry team will contact the Florida producer to schedule a reinspection shortly after the animals arrive.
The reinspection is not mandatory but is being offered as an additional precaution against the introduction of NWS. If contacted by the Division, producers should make efforts to have the animals readily accessible and identifiable, when farm management practices allow, to help ensure a thorough inspection.
The Importance of Accurate Documentation
As a reminder, both state and federal regulations require Official Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (OCVIs) for applicable interstate animal movements to include the physical addresses of the origin and destination. The destination must be the location where the animals will be delivered. The consignee’s business office address may be included in a separate section of the OCVI.
Providing accurate information to the veterinarian issuing the OCVI helps support animal health efforts and safeguards Florida’s livestock industry.
For questions about this process, please contact Diane Kitchen at: Diane.Kitchen@FDACS.gov.
I appreciate the work Florida’s cattle producers do every day to care for their animals and protect the health of their herds. Working together, we can help safeguard Florida’s livestock industry against threats like New World screwworm.