TALLAHASSEE — Florida enacted emergency rules on Friday to prevent the New World screwworm fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax) from establishing itself in the state. The measure includes strict protocols to protect bovine herds after confirmed cases were detected in Texas earlier this week, marking a rapid response to a biological threat that had previously been eradicated but is advancing from Central America.
Strict restrictions and veterinary certificates
According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), the state will not accept any hot-blooded animal coming from infested zones until June 10. After that date, all animals must be certified by Florida officials two days before their arrival in the state.
In addition, these animals are required to be inspected by a veterinarian within the five days prior to entering Florida. Without official veterinary inspection certificates, imports of animals from "high-risk zones" will be quarantined and the supplier will receive a fine. Animals coming directly from infested areas will be rejected at the state border.
Economic impact for Florida
Although the fly does not affect meat quality nor represent a food safety problem, it can devastate beef production. The parasite lays its eggs in bodily openings and feeds on the living tissue of animals.
Florida had 1.5 million head of cattle in 2022, according to the Agricultural Census, and the livestock and dairy industry generated more than $2 billion in sales that year. The arrival of the parasite coincides with a critical moment, as national cattle numbers are at historic lows.
Coordinated response
Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson has called for a "united front" between government, the agricultural community and the public. Pat Durden, former president of the Florida Cattlemen's Association, stated that there is already an established plan after months of conversations with the Florida Agricultural Office.
"I don't think anyone should be extremely concerned," declared Durden, emphasizing the need for diligence in monitoring cattle to maintain business as usual and avoid local outbreaks. The fly was previously eradicated in the U.S. in 1966, with a small exception in the Florida Keys islands in 2017.
