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Arizona Confirms Sixth Screwworm Case in Cochise County, Expands Quarantine Zone
State agriculture officials confirmed a sixth New World screwworm infection in a horse near Pearce, prompting an expanded 12.4-mile infested zone and new movement restrictions on animals in southern Cochise County.
Arizona animal health officials confirmed the state's sixth case of New World screwworm on Tuesday, identifying the infection in a domesticated horse near Pearce in Cochise County.
The horse had no known travel history, according to the Arizona Department of Agriculture. The location is roughly five miles from the state's first confirmed case, which was found in a dog by a veterinarian.
In response to the new detection, the department established an expanded Infested Zone covering the mandatory 20-kilometer (12.4-mile) radius around the affected area. Under the order, no animals may leave the zone until movement restrictions are lifted or a state veterinarian grants approval. Self-inspection procedures are also suspended while the zone remains active.
Arizona's prior confirmed cases have involved a dog in Graham County; a sheep and a horse in Greenlee County; and a dog and a horse in Cochise County.
The New World screwworm is the larva of a fly that burrows into the living flesh of warm-blooded animals and, in rare instances, people. Infestations can be severe and potentially fatal if left untreated.
The state agriculture department said it is coordinating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, neighboring states and Mexican counterparts on regional response efforts.
Officials are urging livestock owners, auction operators, processing facilities, pet owners, animal shelters and hunters to monitor animals in their care closely. Anyone who observes unusual wounds that appear to be infested with maggots consistent with screwworm is asked to report it to diseasereporting@azda.gov or call 602-542-4293 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Hunters and recreationists who encounter wildlife that appears to be infested should contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 623-236-7201 and record the GPS coordinates of the animal's approximate location.
The confirmation comes as southern Arizona ranchers and pet owners remain on heightened alert following the earlier detections in the region. Movement restrictions can disrupt livestock operations and sales, adding economic pressure on agricultural communities already managing drought and water uncertainty.
The expanded zone underscores the importance of rapid reporting and coordinated response to contain the spread of a parasite that poses risks to both animal health and the regional agricultural economy.