Arizona confirms 6th screwworm case in Cochise County, expands infested area

Arizona has confirmed its sixth case of New World screwworm in a horse near Pearce in Cochise County, the Arizona Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday.

The horse is domesticated with no known travel history. It is around 5 miles from the state’s first confirmed case, which was discovered in a dog by a veterinarian.

Due to the additional case, an expanded Infested Zone ranging the mandatory 20-kilometer (12.4-mile) radius around the affected area has been established. No animals are allowed to leave the zone until movement restrictions are lifted or a state veterinarian approves it. Additionally, self-inspection is suspended while the zone is active.

Arizona’s other confirmed cases involved a dog in Graham County, a sheep and a horse in Greenlee County and a dog and a horse in Cochise County.

The screwworm is a fly larva that burrows into the living flesh of animals and, rarely, people.

The AZDA is working with the USDA, neighboring states and Mexican counterparts to support regional screwworm response efforts.

The department encourages livestock owners, livestock auctions, processing facilities, pet owners, animal shelters and hunters to be vigilant about the animals in their care.

Anyone who notices unusual wounds that appear to be infested with maggots consistent with screwworm are asked to report it to diseasereporting@azda.gov or call 602-542-4293. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

Additionally, hunters and recreationists that encounter wildlife that appear to be infested are urged to call the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 623-236-7201. The department noted that the GPS coordinates of the wildlife’s approximate location should be captured.

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