Arizona residents traveling with animals to California, Florida or Mexico will usually need a veterinary certificate showing the animal is free of New World screwworm infestation. The state has confirmed six cases so far.
According to KJZZ, the veterinarian’s certificate applies to dogs and other warm-blooded animals. The Arizona Humane Society advises planning ahead. Veterinarian Mindy Bahr-Merrill recommended making sure your vet is willing to issue such a document and leaving enough time for it before departure.
According to an announcement from the Arizona State Veterinarian’s Office, as reported by azfamily, new rules for travel to California have been in effect since Nov. 7. The animal must have a document confirming it is free of infestation, and it must arrive in California within seven days of the examination. Equines also need a negative EIA test. Fox 10 Phoenix reports that at least nine states require veterinary exams for animals traveling from Arizona.
The Arizona Department of Agriculture says animals outside the infestation zones face no movement restrictions within the state, but before traveling outside Arizona, owners must check the rules of the destination state. Animals from an infestation zone require approved preventive treatment, a movement permit and a veterinary certificate for interstate travel. The zones have a radius of about 12.4 miles (20 km).
Fox 10 Phoenix reports that the cases are concentrated in the southeastern part of the state. KVOA lists Cochise, Graham and Greenlee counties. They involve dogs, horses and a sheep.
Veterinarians recommend checking animals for wounds every day. Bahr-Merrill noted that monthly flea and tick treatments help prevent infestation. Suspected cases should be reported to the Arizona Department of Agriculture at 602-542-4293.
Source: KJZZ
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