06/09/2026
KY MOVES AGAINST SCREWWORM
Kentucky agriculture officials have implemented emergency livestock movement restrictions following the recent detection of New World Screwworm in Texas, marking the first confirmed U.S. cases of the flesh-eating parasite since 1966.
Although no cases have been reported in Kentucky, the state veterinarian has ordered new entry requirements for certain livestock arriving from Texas, including health inspections, veterinary certification and state permits. The restrictions took effect June 5 and are scheduled to remain in place through at least Aug. 1.
New World Screwworm larvae feed on living tissue and can infest cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, wildlife, pets and, in rare cases, humans. The parasite enters through wounds or natural body openings and can cause severe injury or death if left untreated.
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is coordinating surveillance and response planning with veterinary and public health officials while urging livestock owners to monitor animals for wounds containing maggots, unusual drainage or signs of infection. Officials emphasized the parasite poses no food safety risk and said early detection and rapid reporting will be critical to protecting Kentucky's livestock and equine industries.