USDA confirmed Arizona’s first case of New World screwworm in a Cochise County dog
USDA confirmed Arizona’s first New World screwworm case in a dog in Cochise County. The detection is the state’s first since the parasite was eradicated from the United States in the 1960s. Houston Public Media, citing USDA, reported 71 confirmed animal cases since June across Texas, New Mexico and Arizona; officials are launching sterile-fly releases, movement restrictions and enhanced trapping.
More context
USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a Cochise County dog, marking Arizona’s first case, as the parasite spreads across the U.S.-Mexico border region. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed the infestation, Drovers reported; Bloomberg said USDA announced it. Drovers said the state had not recorded another detection since the parasite was eradicated in the United States in the 1960s.
The screwworm has been detected in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, with 71 animal cases confirmed since June, Houston Public Media reported, citing USDA. The latest update added five cases—four dogs and a cat. Federal and state officials are launching sterile-fly releases, movement restrictions and enhanced trapping, Drovers reported. Livestock and pet owners are urged to check animals for wounds, maggots or egg masses and contact a veterinarian, state animal-health official or USDA if they suspect infection.
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Reporting
- Newsweek — Flesh-Eating New World Screwworm Detected in Arizona Dog As Cases Spread
- Bloomberg — Screwworm Detected for First Time in Arizona as Outbreak Spreads - Bloomberg
- Houston Public Media — New World screwworm now detected from Texas to Arizona, with dogs and cats among latest cases – Houston Public Media
- drovers.com — Arizona’s First New World Screwworm Case Confirmed - Drovers
Verifier’s note
Newsweek reports a screwworm detection in an Arizona dog, while Drovers, Bloomberg, and Houston Public Media each specifically report the dog case in Cochise County. These reports were published on October 28–29, 2026, consistent with the proposed event’s timing.