Explore

New World Screwworm Infestations Surge Past 100 in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona

New World Screwworm Infestations Surge Past 100 in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona

Confirmed infestations of New World screwworm in the United States have surged past 100, reaching 116 cases across Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, with 56 cases still active, according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data. This marks a nearly 47% increase from the previous week, indicating a rapid spread of the parasite since detections accelerated in October. The New World screwworm, a fly larva that burrows into the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, can be fatal within one to two weeks if untreated. The U.S. eradicated screwworm decades ago using a sterile insect technique, but the parasite has been pushing north again this year. Of the confirmed cases, 114 involve livestock and pets, while two involve wildlife, specifically elk in Texas. No human infestations have been reported in the current U.S. outbreak. Recent detections include cattle in Texas, a horse in Arizona, and horses, cattle, and a dog in New Mexico.

California Imposes New Entry Rules for Dogs from Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas Due to Screwworm Outbreak

California Imposes New Entry Rules for Dogs from Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas Due to Screwworm Outbreak

California has updated its pet entry rules to include Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas as states with New World screwworm infested zones, following the detection of the parasite in Arizona dogs. The California Department of Food and Agriculture's quarantine order, in effect since June 12, now applies to dogs and cats from these states. For dogs originating from outside Arizona's 12.4-mile infested zones, owners must provide a vet exam within seven days before arrival, an electronic health certificate stating the animal is free of screwworm, and a California entry permit requested at least 48 hours in advance. Dogs living within an Arizona infested zone face stricter requirements, including an Arizona pre-movement permit and an FDA-approved screwworm treatment. Arizona confirmed its first case on October 28, and as of Tuesday morning, the state's case count stood at five: two dogs, two horses, and a sheep, all in the southeastern part of the state.

New World Screwworm Makes Comeback in States Surrounding Oklahoma, Raising Livestock Concerns

New World Screwworm Makes Comeback in States Surrounding Oklahoma, Raising Livestock Concerns

The New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite once eradicated from the U.S., is making a comeback, with over 120 animal detections since June, primarily in states surrounding Oklahoma, including Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. This marks the highest number of cases the U.S. has seen in four decades. The parasite lays its eggs in open wounds, and its larvae feed on an animal's living tissue, posing a significant threat to livestock. While there are no confirmed cases in Oklahoma as of Tuesday, experts from Oklahoma State University, including Dr. Jonathan Cammack, state extension specialist, express concern about the parasite hitching a ride into the state, despite colder temperatures potentially deterring natural infestation. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) previously fought the parasite by releasing sterile flies to prevent reproduction, successfully pushing it out of the U.S. and Central America, but the screwworm reappeared in 2022, with the exact cause unknown.

Arizona Confirms Five Cases of New World Screwworm in Animals, Prompting Veterinary Alert

Arizona Confirms Five Cases of New World Screwworm in Animals, Prompting Veterinary Alert

Arizona officials have confirmed five cases of New World screwworm in animals, including two dogs, two horses, and a sheep. These cases were identified in Cochise, Greenlee, and Graham counties, with one dog having no known travel history, according to the Arizona Department of Agriculture. The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into the living flesh of warm-blooded animals, feeding on tissue and potentially causing severe, even fatal, damage. Female flies lay eggs in open wounds, which then hatch into larvae. Dr. Mindy Bemmerl, director of veterinary medicine at the Arizona Humane Society, emphasized that even small wounds can become infested. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is actively working to control the outbreak by releasing sterile male screwworm flies, a strategy designed to reduce the fly population by preventing viable egg production.

Arizona Officials Host Forum on Newly Detected Parasitic Screwworm Threat

Arizona Officials Host Forum on Newly Detected Parasitic Screwworm Threat

Public health experts and community leaders in Arizona are hosting an informational forum to discuss the recent detection of the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. The event, titled "Talk About It Tuesdays," will take place on Tuesday, November 10, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Drachman Hall Room B109 on the University of Arizona campus, with an online option via Zoom. Officials from the University of Arizona College of Public Health state that the pest has been detected in Arizona, raising concerns among local agricultural and health agencies. Panelists will include health professionals from the Arizona Department of Health Services, the Pima County Health Department, the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, the Arizona Department of Agriculture, and the Pima Animal Care Center. The forum aims to inform the public on how to protect animals, what to look for when traveling, and how the community can respond to the detection...

2 Arizona golf courses sold with a free round or skiing part the deal for passholders

2 Arizona golf courses sold with a free round or skiing part the deal for passholders

Two scenic golf courses, in two very different parts of the state, were sold Nov. 6, 2026, to Mountain Capital Partners.

Verde Valley Community Rallies for Flood Recovery Efforts in Arizona

Verde Valley Community Rallies for Flood Recovery Efforts in Arizona

Residents in Arizona's Verde Valley and Cornville are actively engaged in cleanup and rebuilding efforts following destructive floods that swept through the region a week prior. The community response has been significant, with neighbors and volunteers, including the Yavapai County Jeep Posse, providing crucial assistance in rescues and recovery operations. Drones were utilized during the flooding to locate individuals trapped in their homes, which were surrounded by several feet of floodwaters. One resident, John Krall, noted that while they are accustomed to flooding, the recent event was unprecedented. Another resident, Ryan Hartman, went door-to-door to help neighbors evacuate and is now focused on rebuilding, as the floods damaged essential infrastructure like sewer and water systems. Mark Langfelder, a volunteer with the Yavapai County Jeep Posse, recounted a rescue operation where a woman was safely brought to a helicopter from her flooded two-story home. The community has continued to support those...

Freeport-McMoRan Approves $4.5 Billion Expansion for Arizona Copper Mine, Targeting Significant Output Increase

Freeport-McMoRan Approves $4.5 Billion Expansion for Arizona Copper Mine, Targeting Significant Output Increase

Freeport-McMoRan Approves $4.5 Billion Expansion for Arizona Copper Mine, Targeting Significant Output Increase

Floods Raise Lake Powell Over 20 Feet Amid Drought

Floods Raise Lake Powell Over 20 Feet Amid Drought

Recent storms across the U.S. Southwest in late October and early November have caused significant flooding, but they have also provided a much-needed boost to water reservoirs in the region. Lake Powell, the second-largest reservoir in the United States, has risen by more than 20 feet since its mid-September low, according to ABC News. This increase is attributed to heavy rainfall and runoff, which have also replenished other water sources, such as Upper Lake Mary in Arizona. Despite this improvement, Lake Powell remains just over a quarter full, and the region continues to face long-term drought conditions. Experts note that the El Niño climate pattern, which has intensified rainfall, is expected to persist for several more months, potentially adding to water supplies across the West.

Wisconsin Urges Poultry and Dairy Producers to Enhance Biosecurity Amid HPAI Bird Migration

Wisconsin Urges Poultry and Dairy Producers to Enhance Biosecurity Amid HPAI Bird Migration

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is urging poultry and livestock producers to implement heightened biosecurity measures as wild bird migration continues across the state. This comes after eight Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) detections in Wisconsin poultry this year, with four occurring since September, and one confirmed detection in a Wisconsin dairy herd. Migrating wild birds are known carriers of the virus, capable of spreading it to domestic animals through contact with farm animals, feed, water sources, or equipment. State and federal agencies, including DATCP, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are emphasizing the importance of reviewing and strengthening biosecurity practices for all types of producers.

Floods Boost Reservoir Levels in U.S. Southwest

Floods Boost Reservoir Levels in U.S. Southwest

Recent flooding across the U.S. Southwest has provided much-needed relief to reservoirs that had reached record lows due to a prolonged megadrought. Heavy storms in late October and early November caused creeks and rivers to overflow, flooding communities and prompting evacuations. Despite the destruction, the influx of water has replenished lakes, aquifers, and snowpack, offering a rare boost to water supplies in the region. For example, Upper Lake Mary in Flagstaff, Arizona, received over 3 billion gallons of water since early October, significantly improving the town's water reserves. Experts attribute the intensified rainfall to the El Niño climate phenomenon, which is expected to continue impacting the region for several months. While the drought persists, the recent rains have lifted water restrictions in some areas, such as Pagosa Springs, Colorado, where residents had been under strict conservation measures.

Flooding Brings Rare Relief to US Southwest Reservoirs Amid Drought

Flooding Brings Rare Relief to US Southwest Reservoirs Amid Drought

Recent flooding in the US Southwest has provided much-needed relief to reservoirs that had reached record-low levels due to a prolonged megadrought. Heavy rains in late October and early November caused creeks to overflow, flooding local communities and prompting evacuations. Despite the destruction, the floodwaters have significantly replenished water bodies, including Lake Powell, which rose over 20 feet (6.1 metres) from its mid-September low. The lake, located on the Arizona-Utah border, gained over 1.2 million acre-feet of water, enough to support approximately 4 million families for a year. Other areas, such as Pagosa Springs in Colorado and Upper Lake Mary in Arizona, also reported substantial increases in water levels, alleviating water restrictions and boosting local water supplies.