AZDA Livestock Updates

07/10/2026

07/07/2026

Attention Arizona farmers and ranchers!

If your operations were impacted by the heavy rains and flooding last fall (between September 25 and October 13, 2025), emergency assistance is available through the USDA.

Farm operators in Gila County (the primary natural disaster area) and all contiguous counties (Coconino, Graham, Maricopa, Navajo, Pinal, and Yavapai) are eligible to be considered for emergency loan assistance.

🗓️ The deadline to apply for Emergency Loans is Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026.

Don't wait! Visit fsa.usda.gov or contact the Arizona State FSA Office directly to learn more about eligibility requirements and apply today. Please share this post to help spread the word to our local agricultural community!

06/12/2026

Please help us congratulate our newest Livestock Officer Ethan Post.

He recently graduated from the Police Academy in May of 2026. Ethan started with AZDA in December of 2024 as a Livestock Inspector covering Greenlee and Graham County and quickly excelled at his duties. We are extremely proud and lucky to have Ethan with our Department and know that he will excel as a Livestock Officer as well!

Arizona Department of Agriculture

06/08/2026

The USDA has officially confirmed the first U.S. case of New World Screwworm (NWS) outside of Texas. The parasite was detected in a companion dog residing in Lea County, New Mexico. Additionally, a new case was confirmed in a goat in Gillespie County, Texas.

What this means for Arizona: While this development brings the pest into our neighboring state, there are still ZERO indications of screwworm in Arizona, and our commercial food supply remains 100% safe. These cases are still over 400 miles from the Arizona border.

🥩However, because this latest case involves a pet dog, it is a critical reminder that NWS doesn't just affect cattle—it impacts livestock, pets, and wildlife alike. Local vigilance is now more important than ever.

🛡️ How to protect your animals: Because this pest spreads primarily through the movement of infected animals rather than the flight of the insect itself, checking your animals daily is our strongest defense. The USDA urges all animal owners to inspect livestock and pets.

Arizona ranchers, pet owners, and veterinarians should report any suspicious larvae or wounds immediately to our state team at [email protected]. You can track official national updates, press releases and read the full response playbooks at Screwworm.gov.

06/04/2026

Arizona Department of Agriculture