1. USDA Confirms First Detection of New World Screwworm in U.S. Wildlife

USDA Confirms First Detection of New World Screwworm in U.S. Wildlife
APHIS Stakeholder Registry
October 21, 2026

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the first detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in wildlife in the United States, in an elk in Pecos County, TX. The elk was located on a game ranch and was reported after being harvested by a hunter.

This detection highlights the critical role hunters, landowners, outdoor enthusiasts, and wildlife professionals play in helping detect and stop the spread of NWS. Early reporting is one of the most important tools we have to protect wildlife, livestock, and pets in the United States.

The Texas Animal Health Commission will modify a previously established infested zone, and USDA and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are conducting additional wildlife surveillance in the area.
Hunters Can Make a Difference

Hunters and others who spend time outdoors near infested areas are often among the first people to encounter affected wildlife, making their observations especially valuable to surveillance and response efforts.

As hunting seasons continue across Texas and other States, hunters are encouraged to stay alert for signs of NWS when observing, harvesting, or processing wildlife.

Watch for:

Visible maggots (larvae) in wounds or body openings
Open, draining, or enlarging wounds
Foul-smelling injuries
Animals that appear weak, lethargic, isolated, or in distress
Signs of infestation around the nose, mouth, ears, eyes, or genital areas

If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately. Fast reporting helps animal health officials respond quickly and helps limit the pest's spread.

For information on identifying and reporting potential cases in wildlife, please see USDA's wildlife resources at Screwworm.gov Wildlife Information. The site includes signs to watch for, reporting guidance, and additional resources for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

2. USDA Continues Phased Reopening of Southern Border Ports for Livestock Imports
APHIS Stakeholder Registry
October 20, 2026

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is continuing its phased reopening of southern border ports for livestock imports from Mexico, supported by enhanced safeguards against New World screwworm (NWS) and ongoing evaluations of animal health conditions.

On October 26, 2026, APHIS will reopen the Columbus, New Mexico, port of entry to cattle imports. If conditions continue to support safe trade and all required inspection arrangements and infrastructure are in place, the next port scheduled to reopen to cattle imports will be Nogales, Arizona, on November 30, 2026.

Additionally, on October 26, 2026, APHIS will resume the importation of equines from Mexico via land crossing through the Santa Teresa, New Mexico, port of entry.

Under APHIS' updated protocols, horses and other equines imported from Mexico will continue to undergo a rigorous inspection and treatment process prior to export, followed by a seven-day quarantine period before being released into the U.S.??

Equines entering through Santa Teresa will complete quarantine at a USDA-approved facility located on the U.S. side of the border. Quarantine facilities on the Mexican side of the port of entry will remain closed at this time.??

USDA is taking a measured approach to reopening equine imports. Beginning operations at Santa Teresa will allow the agency to evaluate the implementation of the updated safeguards and confirm they are working as intended before expanding to additional locations.??

Following this evaluation, USDA will consider resuming equine imports through other approved ports of entry and approved quarantine facilities, including USDA-approved facilities in Mexico, as conditions warrant and animal health safeguards continue to be met.??Additional information on equine import requirements is available on the APHIS website.

USDA will continue to assess conditions at additional ports of entry and will make further reopening decisions based on animal health risks, operational readiness, and the continued effectiveness of mitigation measures. For the latest information on New World screwworm and USDA's phased reopening of southern border ports to livestock imports, please visit Screwworm.gov.??

Note: Full News Alerts will return Monday October 26th.