USDA Lifts Screwworm Restrictions in New Mexico Following Successful Containment
The U.S. Agriculture Department (USDA) has removed the restricted 'infested zone' in southeastern New Mexico, which was established to prevent a New World screwworm outbreak. The zone, a circular area with a roughly 12-mile radius, was demarcated on June 7 after the state's first screwworm case was detected in a pet dog in Lea County. USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Dudley Hoskins stated that no additional infections have been found in New Mexico since the initial case. State officials collaborated closely with federal agencies and animal owners to prevent further spread. New Mexico State Veterinarian Samantha Holeck recommended lifting the zone, confirming that the state met all USDA requirements outlined in a playbook for managing screwworm infections. This successful containment effort highlights effective state-federal collaboration in safeguarding livestock and wildlife. 
