Arizona Officials Urged Pet Travel Safety Over Screwworm
Wildlife experts advise Arizonans to leave pets at home during travel to Mexico due to parasite risks.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Pet Health
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Arizona wildlife officials have issued an advisory to residents traveling to Mexico, recommending that pets stay home due to the detection of New World screwworm in Sonora. The parasite, which poses a significant threat to animals, has moved closer to the region following a confirmed case in Grant County, New Mexico.
Why it matters
The presence of this parasite presents a high risk to both household pets and the regional livestock industry. Because the screwworm can burrow into flesh, protecting pets is essential to prevent a potential spread into local animal populations.
A confirmed case of New World screwworm was reported in Grant County, New Mexico, just 50 miles from the Arizona border in September 2026. The parasite, which infects open wounds, previously caused a massive $375 million economic impact during an outbreak in 1976.
The players
Arizona wildlife officials
These state authorities are responsible for managing public health advisories to protect local wildlife and domestic animals from external disease threats.
The details
New World screwworm is a parasitic fly larva that infects animals by burrowing into open wounds. Residents traveling between Arizona and Mexico are now required to ensure their pets undergo mandatory veterinary inspections and receive necessary treatments to prevent the introduction of the parasite into the state.
Timeline
1976: A major screwworm outbreak caused $375 million in damages in Texas.
August 2026: The federal ban on cattle imports from Mexico was lifted.
September 2026: A confirmed screwworm case was reported in Grant County, New Mexico.
The Home Front
This warning follows the recent lifting of federal cattle import bans, illustrating the ongoing challenges of managing cross-border agricultural and animal health risks. It serves as a reminder of the historical impact that parasitic outbreaks can have on regional economic stability.
If you are planning to travel to Mexico, the safest course of action is to leave pets at home to avoid potential exposure. If travel is unavoidable, you must consult with a veterinarian to complete all required inspections and mandatory treatments before returning to Arizona.
The takeaway
The New World screwworm poses a serious risk to pets by burrowing into existing wounds. Before any travel, ensure your animal is up to date on health checks and consult with your local veterinarian to understand current regional border requirements.
Further reading
Learn more about keeping your animals safe in our Pet Health section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AZfamily.
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