Texas: revised screwworm zones affect animal departures

Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) orders signed November 3 took effect immediately and revised mapped New World screwworm quarantine areas: Zone 15.B covers affected parts of Pecos County, and Zone 29.A covers affected parts of Jim Hogg, Starr and Zapata counties. These are mapped portions, not whole-county restrictions. The orders remain in effect until TAHC releases the quarantines.

Before moving a warm-blooded animal out of either zone, obtain prior TAHC authorization, complete the inspection and treatment required by TAHC, and obtain a movement permit or certificate issued by a TAHC representative. The orders state no separate exemption for service dogs.

Check the animal’s location against the current zone map linked from TAHC’s New World screwworm page and contact TAHC or an NWS Certified Inspector before arranging departure. The required movement documentation must accompany the animal. Zone-exit requirements are separate from destination-country entry documents and airline acceptance.