FDACS Screwworm Report as of Monday November 7, 2016

The information below provides an update on new findings of the screwworm infestation and progress of the screwworm eradication program. The latest updates are shown in green.

New Findings of Screwworm

 USDA, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, in Ames Iowa has confirmed eight cases of screwworm since infestation was first detected. o Positive sample #1 collected from a on Big Pine Key 9/29/16. Confirmed 9/30/16. o Positive sample #2 collected from dog on 9/19/16. Confirmed 10/6/16. o Positive sample #3 collected from a pig euthanized on Big Pine Key 10/12/16. o Positive sample #4 collected from a cat on Big Pine Key, Confirmed on 10/19/16. o Positive sample #5 collected from a cat on Big Pine Key, Confirmed on 10/25/16. o Positive sample #6 collected from a Key deer on No Name Key, Confirmed on 10/25/16. o Positive sample #7 collected from a Key deer on Munson Island, Confirmed on 10/27/16. o Positive sample #8 collected from a Key deer on Middle Torch Key, Confirmed on 11/04/16.

 While early detection is treatable in domestic pets, wildlife can pose unique challenges. For more information regarding the Key deer, please call (305) 470-6863, option 7.

Eradication Program Report

 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services has been working with wildlife veterinarians to evaluate and select treatments to prevent healthy Key deer from becoming infested by screwworm, and to treat deer in the early stages of infestation. Deer are being marked with non-toxic paint to identify those who have been treated and treatments will continue until screwworm infestations have subsided. For more information, please call (305) 470-6863, option 7.

 The release of sterile flies includes the following Keys: Big Pine Key, , City of Marathon, Middle Torch Key, , Cudjoe Key, , No Name Key, Little Pine Key, and - There have been 136 total sterile fly releases completed throughout the listed Keys since the program began, totaling more than 19 million flies.

 FDACS established an animal health check point at mile marker 106. Travelers moving north with pets, small animals or livestock must stop to get a free check for signs of screwworm. Early detection is key, and this disease can be treated. o To date, 3,326 animals have been checked at the health check point- 3,067 dogs, 103 chickens, 116 cats, 13 horses, 19 birds (Parrots), 3 rabbits, 1 ape, 2 raccoons, 1 snake, and 1 rodent have had health checks completed at the check point with no signs of screwworm.

In partnership with USDA, FDACS is working on enhanced surveillance in order to determine the spread of the New World Screwworm pest.

Trade Restrictions

 Utah: A permit is required for movement of livestock and pets from Monroe County, into Utah http://ag.utah.gov/home/news/631-new-world-screwworm-travel- restrictions.html  Georgia: o No permit is required. o All animals leaving the Screwworm Quarantined Area in the and traveling to Georgia will be required to: o Obtain a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI or Health Certificate) o Provide the following veterinary statement on the CVI: “The animals listed on this Certificate of Veterinary Inspection have been examined by me and found to be free of Screwworm” o For more information, please visit the Georgia Department of Agriculture website at: http://agr.georgia.gov/animal-health.aspx

 Following is a list of countries with import restrictions on any country where Screwworm is present. These restrictions were in place prior to Screwworm infestation in the United States. o Cattle – Guatemala o Breeding Cattle - Lebanon and Nicaragua o Dairy Cattle – Jordan o Sheep/Goats – Cuba o Horses - New Zealand-Horses may not originate from or move through a control area for screwworm within 21 days prior to export. o Horses - Australia-The United States must have been officially free of screwworm for 12 months prior to export. o Horses - Hong Kong requires a “vector protected stable” or treatment with repellent/insecticide- This restriction does not preclude USDA from endorsing any export veterinary health certificate for temporary horses from the United States.

 USDA is already reaching out to the countries on this list that the United States trades with to communicate that the infestation is small, and we have implemented an aggressive eradication program. With this outreach, USDA is seeking waivers to allow trade to continue.

Public Outreach and Resources

 FDACS Press Release (10/18) regarding the detection of screwworm on additional Florida Keys: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/News-Events/Press-Releases/2016- Press-Releases/Screwworm-Detected-on-Additional-Florida-Keys  FDACS/USDA screwworm public information poster: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/content/download/72468/1913696/screwworm_po ster.pdf  Please encourage colleagues, family and friends to visit FreshFromFlorida.com to find out more information about the Screwworm and sign up for the daily update. The site even has an area where residents can submit photos if they suspect their animals might be infested with screwworm.  FDACS issued a public outreach statement on 10/7 explaining the importance of protecting Key Deer.  General Screwworm Information: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/content/download/71615/1776580/screwworm_inf ormation_general_public.pdf  Screwworm Information for Monroe County Health Check Point: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/content/download/71617/1776590/screwworm_inf ormation_health_check.pdf

Background

 On October 3, 2016, USDA announced the presence of New World Screwworm in Big Pine Key, Florida. o Screwworm was detected in samples collected from three Key deer in a wildlife refuge. Signs of the disease were also reported in other deer from the same refuge and three domestic animals from the same island. o Screwworms are fly larvae (maggots) that can infest livestock and other warm-blooded animals, including people. o They most often enter an animal through an open wound and feed on the animal’s living flesh. o If detected early, animals can be treated and fully recover.  The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in partnership with USDA, USFWS, DOH, FWC, COPEG (Cooperative Program for Screwworm Eradication with the government of Panama) and others, launched an eradication program to prevent the spread of this disease.  Residents and visitors who have warm-blooded animals (pets, livestock, etc.) should watch their animals carefully. See a veterinarian if there are any signs of illness, and report any potential cases of screwworm to 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352) or non- Florida residents should call (850) 410-3800.  Residents can report a suspected case involving a Key deer by calling (305) 470- 6863, option 7.

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