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Arizona Screwworm Outbreak Prompts Pet Travel Restrictions in Nine States

Arizona Screwworm Outbreak Prompts Pet Travel Restrictions in Nine States

Arizona is experiencing an outbreak of the New World screwworm, with six confirmed cases concentrated in the southeastern part of the state. This outbreak has led at least nine other states to implement new travel requirements for pets and service animals originating from Arizona. These states now mandate that animals from Arizona undergo a veterinary inspection and receive clearance a few days prior to entry. The confirmed cases in Arizona include a horse in Cochise County, a dog in Graham County, a sheep and a horse in Greenlee County, and another dog and horse in Cochise County. The new regulations are creating unexpected financial burdens and logistical challenges for pet owners, particularly with the upcoming holiday travel season. Some owners report additional veterinary expenses of $300 or more, along with scheduling hurdles.
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USDA Reports Sharp Increase in New World Screwworm Infestations Across Southwest States

USDA Reports Sharp Increase in New World Screwworm Infestations Across Southwest States

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reported a significant surge in confirmed New World screwworm infestations across Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, with cases climbing to 128 since June. Federal agricultural data indicates a tenfold increase in detections during October alone, with 33 domestic cases reported in October and an additional 42 cases in the first 11 days of November. The majority of these 128 cases involve domestic livestock and pets, with two wild elk also affected in West Texas. The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, causing severe damage and potentially death if untreated. In response, state and federal officials have implemented movement restrictions, inspection checkpoints, and quarantine protocols in affected zones, which now include 21 Texas counties and portions of New Mexico and Arizona.
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ARTO Acquires Former Sam Levitz Warehouse in Tucson for Tile Manufacturing Expansion

ARTO Acquires Former Sam Levitz Warehouse in Tucson for Tile Manufacturing Expansion

ARTO Acquires Former Sam Levitz Warehouse in Tucson for Tile Manufacturing Expansion
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Oregon Dairy Herd Confirms First Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in State

Oregon Dairy Herd Confirms First Case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in State

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 clade 2.3.4.4b has been confirmed in a dairy cattle herd in Oregon, marking the state's first reported case in cattle. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the virus through PCR detection, with genetic sequencing results pending. This detection occurred during Oregon's routine surveillance for HPAI in dairy cattle, where the herd had previously tested negative under the National Milk Testing Strategy. Since March 2024, dairy cattle in 22 states have been infected, with APHIS noting new cases in previously unaffected states this year. APHIS is collaborating with the Oregon Department of Agriculture to conduct further on-farm investigations, diagnostic testing, and epidemiological data collection to understand the detection better and prevent further spread. The USDA's HPAI eradication strategy remains unchanged, emphasizing biosecurity measures for all dairy farms.
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Arizona Activists Fight Against PFAS Contamination and New Mine in Santa Cruz County

Arizona Activists Fight Against PFAS Contamination and New Mine in Santa Cruz County

Environmental activists in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, are raising alarms over severe perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination and the potential exacerbation of this issue by a new heavy metals mine. The county, with approximately 50,000 residents, ranks first in Arizona and tenth nationally for PFAS contamination, with at least 44% of public drinking water systems having unacceptable levels. Robin Lucky, president of the Calabasas Alliance, highlights the Nogales Wash as a significant source of pollution, carrying PFAS and other waste from Mexico. Critics fear that South32's Hermosa mine, fast-tracked under new 'critical mining' rules, will release additional toxic metals like arsenic, zinc, and manganese, further endangering public health and the environment. State Attorney General Kris Mayes has considered legal action, describing the situation as a public nuisance and a threat to health and safety. South32, which plans to begin operations in late 2027, has funded a University ...
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USDA to Hire Hundreds for New Sterile Fly Production Facility in Texas to Combat Screwworm

USDA to Hire Hundreds for New Sterile Fly Production Facility in Texas to Combat Screwworm

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to hire 228 individuals for the New World Screwworm (NWS) Sterile Fly Production Facility in Edinburg, Texas, with hiring commencing this month. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that these positions will span various roles, including scientific, technical, skilled trades, safety, administrative support, and information technology. The new facility at Moore Air Base will be the first U.S.-based sterile fly production facility. It is projected to produce 100 million sterile flies per week once initially operational in 2027, with a full capacity of approximately 300 million flies per week. The USDA will host a hiring event from November 17-19 in McAllen, Texas, where hiring managers will conduct interviews.
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Arizona County Faces Heightened PFAS Contamination Risks Amid New Mine Approval

Arizona County Faces Heightened PFAS Contamination Risks Amid New Mine Approval

Santa Cruz County, Arizona, is grappling with severe perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, ranking first in Arizona and tenth nationally for these 'forever chemicals.' Environmental activists are raising alarms as South32's Hermosa mine in Patagonia received federal approval under new fast-track 'critical mining' rules. Critics, including Robin Lucky, president of the Calabasas Alliance, fear the mine will exacerbate existing pollution by releasing arsenic and other heavy metals. The county's public drinking water systems already show unacceptable levels of PFAS in 44% of cases, according to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. The Nogales Wash, which carries wastewater and storm runoff from Mexico, is a significant source of contamination, with PFAS not adhering to political boundaries. Despite company assurances from President Pat Risner that arsenic levels are decreasing and that a high reading for another toxic metal was due to a lab error, activists remain con...
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FDA Authorizes Emergency Screwworm Treatment for Dogs Amid Arizona Cases

FDA Authorizes Emergency Screwworm Treatment for Dogs Amid Arizona Cases

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the emergency use of Bravecto chewable tablets for treating New World screwworm infestations in dogs and puppies. This authorization comes as Arizona has confirmed five cases of the parasitic fly in animals, specifically two horses, two dogs, and one sheep, located in the eastern and southeastern parts of the state. No cases have been reported in Yuma. New World screwworm larvae feed on living tissue, causing severe wounds that can be fatal if left untreated. While Bravecto is already approved for flea and tick control, it has not received full FDA approval for screwworm treatment. Merck Animal Health, the manufacturer, expects the emergency-authorized chews to be available to veterinarians in early 2027. Pet owners are advised to consult their veterinarians immediately if they suspect an infestation, looking for signs like visible maggots or foul-smelling wounds. California has also implemented new entry requirements for pets from affected states,...
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National Organic Standards Board Recommends Reinstating Ivermectin for Organic Dairy in Response to Screwworm Threat

National Organic Standards Board Recommends Reinstating Ivermectin for Organic Dairy in Response to Screwworm Threat

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) has recommended that ivermectin, a synthetic parasiticide, be reinstated on the National List of substances allowed in organic livestock, specifically for dairy and breeding animals. This recommendation comes in response to the spreading New World screwworm (NWS) threat across Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The NWS, eradicated in the U.S. in 1966, reappeared in June 2026 and has seen a significant increase in confirmed cases. The FDA authorized over-the-counter ivermectin injections for emergency use to prevent NWS in cattle, excluding lactating dairy cows. The NOSB's proposal would allow ivermectin use only for NWS and would reduce the exclusion period for milk from treated organic dairy cows from 12 months to 90 days. Ivermectin was removed from the National List in 2019 due to environmental toxicity concerns and the availability of other parasiticides. The USDA's National Organic Program has not yet declared the outbreak an emergency treatment program, which ...
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Arizona Corporation Commission to Vote on TEP's Proposed 9.8% Rate Increase

Arizona Corporation Commission to Vote on TEP's Proposed 9.8% Rate Increase

Arizona Corporation Commission to Vote on TEP's Proposed 9.8% Rate Increase
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NASDA Foundation Secures USDA Grant to Boost Veterinary Workforce in State and Regulatory Medicine

NASDA Foundation Secures USDA Grant to Boost Veterinary Workforce in State and Regulatory Medicine

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Foundation has received a Veterinary Services Grant Program award from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). This grant will fund a three-year project titled “Strengthening the Regulatory Veterinary Workforce,” designed to provide veterinary students with exposure to careers in state and regulatory veterinary medicine. The program will support nine veterinary students through paid, 10- to 12-week summer internships within State Animal Health Official offices. These internships will offer hands-on experience and mentorship, allowing students to learn about disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, animal health programs, regulatory activities, and stakeholder engagement. The NASDA Foundation will manage student recruitment, placement, and program support, with three students participating annually. Additionally, students will engage in professional development and networking opportunities, including the NASDA Ne...
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Sedona, Arizona, Recognized for Scenic Beauty and Cultural Attractions

Sedona, Arizona, Recognized for Scenic Beauty and Cultural Attractions

Sedona, Arizona, Recognized for Scenic Beauty and Cultural Attractions