Arkansas urges vigilance after USDA confirms screw worm detections in Texas, New Mexico

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture urged animal owners to monitor livestock and report any suspected infections after the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed new detections of the screw worm parasite in Texas and New Mexico.

The advisory, delivered by the state agency, said no cases have been reported in Arkansas and emphasized that the screw worm does not pose a threat to the food supply. The department said the measures are intended to protect animals and prevent spread into the state.

State leaders also launched an online tool for reporting suspected cases and said individuals who believe an animal may be infected may contact the Arkansas Department of Agriculture directly. In addition, the department announced that warm-blooded animals from states with confirmed detections cannot enter Arkansas without proper inspection; officials said the restriction is designed to help prevent the pests from spreading into the state.

The announcement repeated the U.S. Department of Agriculture's confirmation of cases in Texas and New Mexico and framed the state actions as preventative steps. The department did not specify inspection procedures or enforcement details in the announcement.

Animal owners with concerns were directed to use the new online reporting tool or contact the Arkansas Department of Agriculture for guidance.