Florida Agriculture Officials Address USDA New World Screwworm Detection
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has issued a statement in response to a USDA report involving a New World Screwworm detection at a USDA import facility in south Florida. State officials emphasized that there is no detection of New World Screwworm in any Florida animals and that existing biosecurity protocols worked as intended.
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson stressed the importance of accurate information, saying, “We are vigilant and proactive in the state of Florida. Agriculture is a critical industry that employs more than two million Floridians and is the second-largest driver of our state’s economy. I would encourage people to focus on the facts and look beyond misleading headlines and social media posts.”
According to the department, screwworm larvae were detected on a horse imported from Argentina during a “routine and normal exam” conducted at a USDA import facility. The detection occurred while the horse was under quarantine, and officials confirmed that no cases have been found outside of the secure facility.
Dr. Michael Short, Florida’s State Veterinarian, reinforced that the situation does not pose a threat to animals within the state. He said, “There is no detection of New World Screwworm in any Florida animal. The detection at the USDA import facility was handled professionally and per existing protocols to ensure the U.S. remains free of this devastating pest. Due to the ongoing screwworm outbreak in Central America, I encourage all Floridians to remain vigilant and report any unusual maggot cases in a live animal.”
All horses at the import facility were examined and treated as a precautionary measure, and the quarantine protocols remain in place. Officials confirmed that the detection was fully contained within the facility and did not result in any exposure to Florida livestock or wildlife.
According to the department, “The detection is evidence that the USDA’s import inspection and quarantine protocols are effective and an important line of defense in keeping screwworm from entering the U.S.”
Florida agriculture officials continue to work closely with USDA and animal health partners to monitor risks associated with the ongoing outbreak in Central America. Producers and animal owners are encouraged to remain alert and promptly report any unusual symptoms to help protect animal health and the state’s agricultural economy.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.