Missouri Adds New Rules for Animals Entering the State

If you plan to bring animals into the state of Missouri, you need to know that there are new restrictions due to the spread of a serious parasitic bug.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is concerned about New World Screwworm

Monika Kubala via Unsplash

Missouri ag authorities have just issued a bulletin which tightens the restrictions because of the spread of New World Screwworm. Here are the exact words from the Missouri Department of Agriculture:

"Any domestic animal originating from a state with an infested zone, but not within an infested zone, can enter Missouri with a Certificate of Veterinary inspection (CVI) completed within 14 days of entry that includes the statement “All animals were inspected and found free of evidence of NWS infestation and have not originated from or transited through a NWS infested zone.” Non-electronic CVIs require an entry permit from MDA."

If you have an out-of-state animal that you plan to bring into Missouri that originates from an infested zone, the bulletin says they "must meet the movement requirements for the state of origin and obtain an entry permit from the Missouri State Veterinarian’s office". In addition, you'll need to obtain a "CVI that includes the statement “All animals were inspected and found free of evidence of NWS infestation.”"

What is New World Screwworm and why is it such a concern?

The USDA says that New World Screwworm flies infect open wounds by laying their eggs there. Once they hatch, they literally eat the animal alive. Just one female can lay up to 3,000 eggs which means their spread is rapid and can decimate a herd of livestock quickly. That's why controlling the movement of cattle is vital to protect the spread of this nasty parasite.