APHIS provides latest update to New World screwworm response plan

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced on April 8 its update to the New World screwworm (NWS) response playbook.

The agency provided a draft of the playbook in October 2025 and then worked with feedback from state animal health officials, federal partners, livestock and wildlife industry partners, veterinary organizations, and other key stakeholders to prepare the updated version.

“USDA continues to execute Secretary Rollins’ five-pronged plan to keep NWS out of the United States,” said Dudley Hoskins, USDA under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs. “While we are aggressively safeguarding American agriculture and working with Mexico to prevent further northward spread, we must also ensure that our domestic response plans are ready for immediate activation. Strong coordination with states, producers, veterinarians, sportsmen, and other partners is essential to achieving that goal.”

The updated playbook outlines critical strategies for stakeholders including how to:

- Coordinate response operations

- Reduce spread and prevent establishment of NWS in new areas

- Manage the pest in infested animals

- Implement NWS fly surveillance and control measures

- Maintain continuity of business

- Support efficient information flow and situational awareness

APHIS also provided updates to the playbook, including: