HELENA, Mont. – An emergency mandate has been ordered effective immediately by the Montana Department of Livestock to supervise and protect Montana livestock from potential exposure to the New World screwworm (NWS).
The department’s Animal Health Administrator/State Veterinarian issued an emergency order to stop the import of animals from states with NWS infestations until preventive measures have been met.
For livestock from out of state to enter Montana, they must pass inspection and be free of wounds and any sign of NWS infestation. Livestock for inspection include all cattle, bison, swine, poultry, sheep, goats, horses, and livestock such as llamas and alpacas.
If any animal in a shipment for Montana is suspected of having an NWS infestation, no animals in the shipment may enter Montana until all animals have been treated and all wounds have healed.
Approved treatment must have been given no less than 72 hours and no more than 14 days prior to entry in Montana.
NWS larvae infest open wounds, feeding on living tissue, affecting dogs, cats, livestock, wildlife and occasionally humans. The larvae burrow into healthy tissue, causing serious damage if untreated.
The order is effective immediately and may last no longer than five years.
For more information, livestock owners can read the order issued by the Montana Department of Livestock here.