Attention Hunters: New Mexico needs your help to be on the lookout for New World screwworm

On Sept. 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a new case of New World screwworm (NWS) that has been detected near Mimbres, New Mexico. Individuals that are hunting in the area are asked to help reduce the spread of NWS.

Here is how you can help:

Suspect NWS when you see a live or very recently (within a few hours) dead animal with:  

➤ Maggots/larvae in a wound

➤ White egg packets on or around a wound

➤ Foul or rotting odor associated with a wound

Pay particular attention during periods when wildlife are more likely to sustain wounds, including rut, fighting among males, breeding activity, antler growth, velvet shedding, antler casting, birthing season and newborn animals with umbilical wounds.

If you see suspected NWS:

1. Take a GPS location.
2. If it is a game animal, contact the New Mexico Department of Wildlife as soon as possible at 888-248-6866 during regular business hours. After hours or on weekends, please call your local conservation officer.
3. If it is a livestock animal, contact the New Mexico Livestock Board at 505-841-6161 as soon as possible.
4. Do not eat, handle or transport the animal.
5. Take pictures of the wound, larvae or affected animal if possible.
6. If you can, collect a sample safely. Using gloves or tweezers, place several larvae into a sealed container (small jar or plastic vial) with 70% alcohol. Label with date, GPS location, species and your contact info. Report and submit immediately to the New Mexico Department of Wildlife or the New Mexico Livestock Board.

Hunters traveling with livestock are reminded to:

➤ Inspect your stock frequently for wounds or fly strike

➤ Manage wounds promptly

➤ Consult a veterinarian or contact the New Mexico Livestock Board at 505-841-6161

as soon as possible

Your reports are critical for early detection and rapid response. Quick action could protect wildlife and livestock across the state.

*** Please remember that even minor mishandling of game meat can cause non-NWS maggots to develop in muscle tissue. New World screwworms will only be found on alive or very recently dead animals. ***

New World Screwworm: A Threat to Wildlife | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

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