General Public
What to know about NWS and your Food:
NWS does not affect food safety. There is no risk from NWS to the safety or quality of food products.
What to know about NWS and People:
While NWS can infest the wounds of humans, it is very rare and there is an extremely low risk to the public, even in infested zones. If you see or feel maggots in or on a wound, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Do not dispose of maggots in the trash. Place them in a leak-proof container with rubbing alcohol to kill them and bring them with you to your healthcare provider
https://www.cdc.gov/new-world-screwworm/media/pdfs/2025/09/NWS-What-You-Need-to-Know-cleared-508.pdf
For the latest on the NWS outbreak from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), visit https://www.cdc.gov/new-world-screwworm/situation-summary/index.html
What to know about NWS and Pets:
NWS can infest open wounds in cats, dogs and other warm-blooded pets. Infestations are treatable if caught early. If you suspect a pet to be infested with NWS, contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not dispose of maggots in the trash. Place them in a leak-proof container with rubbing alcohol to kill them and save them for your veterinarian.
If you are traveling with pets from an infested zone in the United States into Florida, please consult FDACS for the latest emergency restrictions.
No shelter animals may be imported into Florida from an infested state (currently Texas and New Mexico).
What to know about NWS and Wildlife:
The impact of NWS on wildlife health can be severe. Infestations, left untreated, may be fatal to the animals.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission NWS website:
https://myfwc.com/research/wildlife/health/nws/
How to Report: Wildlife or Harvested Animals:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission – Wildlife Health
- 866-293-9282 (9 am – 5 pm, 365 days/yr; leave message if no answer)
- Email video and photos to: WildlifeHealthTeam@MyFWC.com
How to Report: Livestock and Domesticated animals:
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:
- 850-410-0900 (during office hours) or 1-800-342-5869 (after hours)
- Email: RAD@FDACS.gov
- Report Online at: FDACS.gov/RAD
Key resources on NWS:
USDA: Screwworm.gov
FDACS: https://www.fdacs.gov/NWS