Livestock movement restrictions have officially been lifted in portions of Texas and New Mexico following a USDA-APHIS declaration releasing several New World screwworm (NWS) infested zones. With no new cases detected in these areas since June, officials have cleared the zones for normal intrastate and interstate livestock transport, easing a major regulatory burden for local beef producers.
What Livestock Producers Need to Know
- The News: USDA-APHIS has released two infested zones in Texas (the first releases in the state since the outbreak began) and the only infested zone in New Mexico.
- The Impact: Livestock and pet movement restrictions related to NWS have been lifted in these specific zones. Producers in these areas can resume normal intrastate and interstate movement without NWS inspections.
- What’s Next: Other infested zones in Texas remain active, and USDA will continue surveillance efforts in both states to monitor for any future risks.
🚨 𝐍𝐖𝐒 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 🚨
— Secretary Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins) August 31, 2026
When New World screwworm reached the United States, many feared this pest could devastate our cattle herds and rural economies.@USDA met that threat with an aggressive, coordinated response. And today, we are turning the tide.
Confirmed cases have… https://t.co/K5Jfbp5xPl
Texas Marks “Significant Milestone” with First Zone Releases
On Aug. 31, 2026, USDA-APHIS approved the release of two infested zones in Texas, working in coordination with Texas State Veterinarian Dr. Bud Dinges and the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC). This is the first zone release since the initial Texas case was detected on June 3.
The two Texas zones officially cleared are:
- Infested Zone 02.A: Portions of La Salle and Webb counties.
- Infested Zone 03: Portions of Gillespie, Kerr, and Kimble counties.
“The Texas Animal Health Commission has been an outstanding partner throughout our response to New World screwworm,” says Dudley Hoskins, under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs. “Their vigilance, on-the-ground expertise, and unwavering commitment to protecting livestock and wildlife have been essential to our shared success.”
Hoskins adds the milestone highlights the strength of federal-state coordination: “Today’s milestone demonstrates the power of coordinated action — showing producers, communities, and the nation that when we work together, we can protect animal health and maintain continuity of business even in challenging situations.”
New Mexico Declared Free of Active Screwworm Zones
Just one day prior, on Aug. 30, 2026, USDA approved the release of New Mexico’s only NWS-infested zone. The decision followed concurrence from New Mexico State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck and the New Mexico Livestock Board (NMLB).
New Mexico’s single case of NWS was detected on June 7 in a domestic dog in Lea County, and no additional cases have been detected since.
“New Mexico’s animal health officials have been exceptional partners throughout our response to New World screwworm,” Hoskins says. “Today’s milestone reflects not only New Mexico’s leadership, but the impact of USDA’s aggressive, science-driven actions to slow NWS spread and keep case numbers low across the United States.”
With the zone officially released, APHIS will begin working with international trading partners to negotiate the removal of New Mexico-specific NWS export restrictions.
How Screwworm Was Contained
To earn zone release status, both states had to meet stringent criteria outlined in APHIS’ New World Screwworm Response Playbook. Eradication and containment activities included:
- Strategic releases of sterile NWS flies to disrupt the breeding cycle.
- Strict domestic animal movement requirements and mandatory veterinary inspections.
- Intense wildlife and fly surveillance to map and monitor insect populations.
While the restrictions have been lifted for these specific zones, USDA officials remind producers that standard, non-NWS-related interstate and international movement requirements still apply. Additionally, because other infested zones remain active in Texas, producers should continue to check the TAHC interactive zone map before moving livestock.
