Additional New World Screwworm (NWS) Activity Confirmed in Grant County, New Mexico

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Official release

Source material from Arizona Department of Agriculture. The wording below is the issuer’s statement.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 19, 2026

Contact: [email protected]

PHOENIX, Ariz. — On October 15, federal and New Mexico officials announced two additional cases of New World screwworm (NWS) in Grant County, New Mexico involving an equine and a bovine. These findings expanded an existing infested zone westward and established a second infested zone in southwestern New Mexico roughly 10 miles from Arizona’s border. As of October 19, Arizona has not had a confirmed case of NWS.

The Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) urges pet and livestock owners to closely monitor their animals and immediately report unusual wounds containing maggots.

Watch your animals. Report suspicious wounds.

Pets and livestock: Report unusual wounds that appear to contain maggots immediately to [email protected] or (602) 542-4293.

Wildlife: Report suspected infestations to the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (623) 236-7201. Record the animal’s approximate GPS location.

Stay informed: Visit agriculture.az.gov for AZDA’s New World Screwworm updates. National NWS news and updates are available here.

AZDA is alerting industry stakeholders, animal health professionals, tribal partners and pet owners about the approaching threat and the importance of prompt reporting. The department continues working with federal, state, and local partners in surveillance efforts and preparing rapid response resources should a suspected case be identified.

While sustained cooler temperatures are expected to limit NWS activity in northern Arizona, southern Arizona could potentially be affected year-round. AZDA asks news outlets and community partners to amplify this message, particularly among hunters and other outdoor recreationists, pet owners and backyard livestock keepers who may not receive agricultural industry alerts.

Release text attributed to Arizona Department of Agriculture. Consult the official publication for any subsequent corrections or updates.