State Tightens Dog, Cat Import Rules Amid New World Screwworm Spread

(KNSI) – The Minnesota Board of Animal Health is restricting dogs and cats brought in from Texas and New Mexico as reports of New World screwworm infections increase.

The change follows an April declaration against bringing in livestock from areas with active cases of the parasitic fly. The board cites a report of a case on Tuesday involving a dog in Pecos County, Texas. That brings the total number of cases to 29.

Infestations are associated with the larvae, or maggots, of the New World screwworm fly, a species that lays eggs in tiny wounds or in the mouth, nose, and ears of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Once hatched, the maggots feed on living tissue, in contrast to other fly larvae, which feed on dead tissue. Because of this live-flesh feeding habit, infestations often cause secondary bacterial infections that turn into painful open wounds and can cause death if not spotted and treated promptly.

“Protecting Minnesota’s animals from NWS is a top priority and imports of infested animals is the greatest risk to our state,” said Dr. Brian Hoefs, executive director of the Board and Minnesota’s State Veterinarian. “Adding some small measures to existing import regulations is a simple way we can continue to reduce the risk of importing NWS while allowing imports to continue.”

The Board’s requirements for bringing dogs and cats into Minnesota from endemic areas, which include affected states:

Animals from USDA-designated active NWS sites will not be allowed to be imported into Minnesota.

The Board will allow imports from states with USDA-active cases if they meet all import requirements. That includes a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI), which must be issued by an accredited veterinarian within 72 hours prior to transport.

A valid rabies vaccination certificate or pet passport must be emailed to pet.travel.bah@state.mn.us no later than three days before the animal’s arrival in Minnesota.

An EPA- or FDA-approved new world screwworm treatment must be administered to dogs and cats. The product’s name, dosage and date of treatment must be listed on the CVI and emailed to pet.travel.bah@state.mn.us within five days of departure.

All animals will be quarantined for a minimum of five days upon arrival in Minnesota. Board staff will verify the quarantine is being followed and confirm quarantine release details. Animals that do not meet import requirements will be quarantined for a minimum of 10 days and must be examined by a licensed veterinarian, who must confirm in writing that the animal is free of new world screwworm and note the exam date.

Owners must immediately notify pet.travel.bah@state.mn.us if any signs of NWS develop during quarantine.

___