Oak Hill, WV (WOAY) – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is taking steps to prevent screwworm from entering the state.
All warm-blooded animals entering West Virginia from an area confirmed to be infested by New World Screwworm must obtain a permit from the state at least 48 hours in advance, in addition to federal regulations.
Additionally, animals brought from a high-risk county or zone must have a certificate of veterinary inspection done within 7 days of moving the animal to certify that they are not infected with Screwworm larvae.
Farmers and anyone else keeping animals are urged to continually monitor for signs of disease.
New World Screwworm is a flesh-eating fly that lays its eggs in the wounds of warm-blooded animals. This can cause a serious infection.
The flies had been considered eradicated for 75 years, until they were found in cattle in Texas this year.
