GEORGIA (WALB) — Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced Wednesday, June 10, that the state is tightening entry requirements for all warm-blooded animals from Texas and four specific New Mexico counties.

These “enhancements” come after the 6th case of New World Screwworm (NWS) was reported in the United States, according to the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA).

NWS are fly larvae that harm the tissue of warm-blooded animals.

According to GDA, Signs of NWS include:

• Foul-smelling wounds with visible maggots
• Lesions in navels, ears, dehorning or branding sites
• Biting or licking at wounds
• Strange behaviors

“These proactive measures are intended to protect Georgia’s agricultural industry and animal health and may be updated as new information becomes available,” Commission Harper’s office said in a release.

The tightened requirements apply to any warm-blooded pets and livestock from:

• The entire state of Texas
• Eddy, Chaves, Lea, and Roosevelt counties in New Mexico

People bringing animals to Georgia from an “infested zone” must request an entry permit at least 48 hours in advance from [email protected] or by calling 505-841-6161.

“New World Screwworm does not pose a risk to the food supply, and no affected animals have entered the food supply chain,” at this time, according to GDA.

You can find an interactive map of NWS zones here.

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