The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has issued a special movement notice establishing additional interstate movement requirements for warm-blooded animals entering West Virginia from areas impacted by New World Screwworm.
These movement requirements are effective immediately and are issued under the commissioner of agriculture’s authority granted in West Virginia Code §19-9-2 to prevent, suppress, control, and eradicate animal diseases.
The action follows confirmation of New World Screwworm in the United States and is intended to protect West Virginia livestock, companion animals and animal industries while allowing for continued movement of animals under enhanced safeguards.
“West Virginia remains free of New World Screwworm, and these requirements are being implemented out of an abundance of caution to protect our producers and animal owners,” said Kent Leonhardt, WV Commissioner of Agriculture. “Our goal is to maintain business continuity while reducing the risk of introducing this pest into our state.”
Under the order:
•All warm-blooded animals entering West Virginia from an identified New World Screwworm infested zone (NWS Confirmed Detections) must comply with national continuity of business movement guidance and obtain an entry permit from WVDA at least 48 hours prior to movement.
•Animals entering West Virginia from outside an infested zone but within a designated surveillance zone or high-risk county must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection completed within seven days of movement and certifying the animals are free of screwworm larvae infestation.
Livestock producers should note these requirements do not replace existing federal requirements related to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in livestock.
Permit requests should be submitted during normal business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. ET) by emailing [email protected].
Animal owners, veterinarians and transporters can review state movement requirements at InterstateLivestock.com and determine current infested, surveillance and high-risk areas at NWS Confirmed Detections.
WVDA Animal Health staff are available to assist in determining shipment eligibility and movement requirements. For questions, contact WVDA Animal Health at 304-558-2214 or email [email protected]
Call WVDA Animal Health about NWS in domestic animals, WV DNR for wildlife NWS queries, and WV state public health regarding questions about NWS in people.
The WVDA urges animal industries to closely monitor animals for signs of disease and appreciates one’s cooperation with new movement requirements designed to protect West Virginia’s agricultural economy and the livelihoods of animal industry stakeholders.
