Michigan works to protect state from New World screwworm

LANSING, MICH. — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) rolled out protocols for keeping New World screwworm (NWS) out of the state.

The state agency announced on June 17 updated requirements on its website regarding warm-blooded animals entering Michigan. The requirements will vary based on the NWS status of the state or region of origin.

“Michigan is taking decisive action to protect the health of our livestock and pets from New World screwworm,” said Tim Boring, director of MDARD. “These movement requirements are an important tool to keep this devastating pest out of our state. By staying vigilant, working closely with producers and veterinarians, and acting quickly when concerns arise, we can safeguard animal health and support the resilience of Michigan’s agriculture sector.”

MDARD also launched an NWS webpage resource for producers, pet owners and veterinarians. The agency said the page would be updated regularly as the department monitors the ongoing threat.

Poultry exempt from movement requirements include hatching and table eggs and chicks under five days of age, along with National Poultry Improvement Plan Types B, C, D and J.

“Under the new requirements, animals originating directly from an infested premises are prohibited from entering Michigan until that site is officially released from quarantine,” MDARD said. “The new restrictions also outline requirements for wound care, preventative treatment and documentation for those animals originating out of an area marked by USDA as an NWS Infested Zone or an Adjacent Surveillance Zone.”  

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