ZAHP is committed to keeping the zoological and wildlife health community informed as the New World Screwworm (NWS) situation continues to evolve.
USDA APHIS continues to release updated guidance, response information, wildlife resources, and changes to NWS response zones. This page brings together key USDA resources to help veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and zoological institutions stay current and quickly access the latest information.
For the latest NWS information, current detections, response activities, and USDA guidance, visit:
USDA New World Screwworm Information & Updates
Wildlife Resources – NEW
USDA has launched a dedicated New World Screwworm: A Threat to Wildlife resource page for wildlife professionals, hunters, outbreak responders, and other partners.
The page includes wildlife surveillance information, wildlife-specific NWS treatment information, guidance for hunters, reporting instructions, printable materials, outreach resources, social media materials, and a Wildlife Partner Toolkit.
USDA New World Screwworm Wildlife Resources
New World Screwworm Response Playbook
The USDA APHIS New World Screwworm Response Playbook provides science-based guidance for Federal, State, Tribal, and local responders. The Playbook addresses key response activities including coordinating response operations, reducing spread and preventing establishment in new areas, managing NWS in infested animals, implementing fly surveillance and control measures, maintaining continuity of business, and supporting situational awareness.
The Playbook is intended to be a living resource. USDA announced in August 2026 that APHIS will conduct quarterly reviews to incorporate stakeholder feedback, lessons learned, emerging science, and experience from ongoing response activities.
View the New World Screwworm Response Playbook (PDF)
NWS Emergency Response Resources & Supplemental Guidance
NWS Zone Alert
| Updated September 2026
NWS response zones and associated animal movement requirements may change as surveillance and response activities continue. On August 31, 2026, USDA APHIS approved the release of two NWS infested zones in Texas after State and Federal experts determined that the areas met USDA’s criteria for zone release: · Infested Zone 02.A: portions of La Salle and Webb counties · Infested Zone 03: portions of Gillespie, Kerr, and Kimble counties Release of these zones removes NWS-related movement requirements for livestock and pets within the released areas. Other interstate movement requirements and international export requirements continue to apply. Other NWS infested zones remain in effect. Animal owners, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and zoological institutions should always verify current zones and movement requirements before moving animals into or out of affected areas. |
Report Suspected New World Screwworm
Early detection and reporting are critical. USDA advises reporting suspicious wounds, maggots, or infestations immediately.
Wildlife professionals should report maggot infestations observed in live or very recently deceased wildlife.
In Texas: Report suspected NWS cases in wildlife to Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Outside Texas, particularly near the U.S.-Mexico border: Contact USDA Wildlife Services at 866-4USDA-WS (866-487-3297) or contact your local USDA Wildlife Services office.
USDA Wildlife NWS Reporting Information
USDA Resources
- USDA New World Screwworm Main Website
- Current NWS Status & Detections
- Wildlife Resources & Partner Toolkit
- NWS Response Playbook (PDF)
- NWS Emergency Response Resources