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AR Department of Agriculture Resources

Updated New World Screwworm Information (June 17, 2026):
New Online Suspect Reporting System and Animal Entry Requirements

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed additional detections of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Texas and New Mexico. While there are no detections in Arkansas at this time, livestock and animal owners should stay alert and take preventative action.

NWS does not pose a food safety risk and consumers should remain confident that all meat or poultry products in the food supply chain are appropriately inspected and safe for consumption.

The most current information on NWS preparedness in Arkansas can be found on the Department’s NWS webpage. The most current information on NWS detections in the U.S., including identified Infested Zones, can be found on the USDA NWS detection page.

New Online NWS Suspect Reporting System

Animal owners and veterinarians can submit suspect NWS reports using the Department’s online reporting form. Users may upload photographs and location information. Department staff will follow up with instructions for next steps, including sample submission and recommended protective actions.

If NWS is suspected, isolate the affected animal immediately and avoid moving any animals off the premises. Suspect cases may also be reported through your regular veterinarian or by calling the Arkansas Department of Agriculture at (501) 823‑1746.

Arkansas Animal Entry Requirements

All warm‑blooded animals entering Arkansas from an infested state (but not from an Infested Zone) must be accompanied by an Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (iCVI) dated within 7 days of entry. The certificate must include the statement: “All animals in shipment were inspected and found free of evidence of NWS infestation.”

Group-housed food producing animals may be visually inspected in their group settings according to federal NWS response guidance. Individual inspection is required for all other animals. 

Table eggs, hatching eggs, and chicks under five days of age are exempt from this interstate movement requirement, as are National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) Types B, C, D, and J moving on a USDA VS Form 9-3.

Movement of animals into Arkansas from identified NWS Infested Zones will be restricted according to established federal NWS response guidance. A state entry permit will also be required and can be obtained on the Department’s animal entry permit page. 

Products Available for NWS

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a list of animal drugs available for treatment and prevention NWS. A list of pesticides for use in control of NWS is available on the Department’s NWS webpage.

What Animal Owners Can Do Now

Animal owners should watch for wounds that fail to heal, foul‑smelling discharge, tissue damage, or visible maggots in or around a wound. These symptoms can progress quickly, so prompt attention is critical.

Livestock owners are encouraged to obtain a valid Premises Identification Number (PIN) to increase their readiness for NWS response. A valid PIN is required for interstate and intrastate animal movement from an NWS Infested Zone.