Arizona Detects First Confirmed Case of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Cochise County, Arizona

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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 28, 2026

CONTACT: [email protected]

PHOENIX, Ariz. - On October 28, 2026, the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Arizona's index (first) case of New World screwworm (NWS). The confirmed case was found in a canine in Cochise County when a local veterinarian examined the animal on the evening of October 26 and identified a wound on the canine's back heavily infested with maggots consistent with NWS characteristics. Scientific testing, in coordination with federal partners, verified the species.

"We have been preparing for this possibility for a long while and are acting swiftly," said State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Wolker. "Because of the extensive outreach, coordination, and surveillance already in place, Arizona producers, veterinarians, and pet owners know what to look for and how to report suspected cases. That preparation is allowing us to move quickly to protect animal health in the state."

The affected animal is under veterinary care and AZDA is working with the attending veterinarian and the owner to gather additional information. This information will guide any necessary epidemiologic investigation and local response actions. Consistent with federal NWS protocols, AZDA is coordinating closely with USDA, neighboring states, and Mexican counterparts to ensure this case is integrated into regional NWS response efforts. Federal response actions from USDA will include establishing an Infested Zone, increasing animal surveillance, and conducting outreach to local partners. AZDA has also advocated for the release of sterile flies in the area to help suppress the fly population and prevent the pest from becoming established. Plans for a Sterile Fly Dispersal Facility in Douglas, Arizona continue to move forward.

Over the past year, AZDA has proactively communicated with livestock owners, pet owners, Tribal partners, industry stakeholders, and animal health professionals about NWS detections in Texas, New Mexico and Sonora to educate on the importance of vigilant wound inspection and prompt reporting. AZDA in collaboration with the University of Arizona's Arizona Livestock Incident Response Team (ALIRT) has conducted over 60 table top exercises, industry workshops, train-the-trainer sessions, and other NWS educational events. These communication efforts have been accompanied by enhanced surveillance activities and rapid response planning designed to ensure that any suspected case in the state is identified, investigated, and addressed quickly.

We encourage livestock owners, livestock auctions, processing facilities, pet owners, animal shelters, hunters, and other allied stakeholders to be extremely vigilant and observant with animals in their care or custody. If any unusual wounds are noticed that appear to be infested with maggots consistent with NWS, please report those immediately to [email protected] or by calling 602-542-4293 during business hours 8:00AM-5:00PM Monday through Friday. Similarly, if hunters or other outdoor recreationists encounter wildlife that appear to be infested, please contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 623-236-7201. Please ensure that GPS coordinates of the approximate location of the wildlife are captured. Current information regarding the NWS situation in Arizona can be found here.

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