Flesh-Eating Parasite Prompts New Pet Rules In Minnesota

ST. PAUL, MN — Minnesota officials have rolled out new restrictions on dogs and cats entering the state from Mexico, citing concerns about a flesh-eating parasite that can cause severe and sometimes deadly infections.

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health announced the new import requirements this week in response to recent cases of New World Screwworm in Mexico and Central America. The parasite, which has not been confirmed in the United States in decades, is capable of infecting pets, livestock, wildlife, and even humans.

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“Taking a proactive approach to stop NWS flies and maggots hitching a ride on a dog or cat coming from endemic areas like Mexico is the best way Minnesotans can help keep our animals safe from this pest,” said Dr. Steve Kivisto, a senior veterinarian with the Board’s companion animal programs.

“The new import requirements help prevent NWS from getting a foothold in our state.”

New World screwworm is the larval stage of a fly that lays eggs in wounds or body openings of warm-blooded animals. Unlike typical fly larvae that feed on dead tissue, screwworm maggots feed on living flesh, often causing painful, open wounds and secondary infections.

Severe cases can be fatal if not treated quickly.

The pest was eradicated from the United States in 1966 after a large-scale effort led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but it remains endemic in parts of the Caribbean and Central and South America.

Officials say recent infestations in Mexico have moved closer to the U.S. border in recent months.

Under the new rules, anyone bringing a dog or cat into Minnesota from Mexico or other affected areas must provide multiple forms of documentation, including an international certificate of veterinary inspection, a current rabies vaccination certificate, a screwworm freedom certificate issued by a government veterinarian in the country of origin, and proof the animal was treated with an approved screwworm prevention product.

Once in Minnesota, the animals must undergo a supervised quarantine period and be monitored for signs of infestation. Any suspected cases must be reported immediately to the board.

Officials say the measures are designed to keep the parasite from reestablishing itself in the United States.

“By following the guidelines set out by USDA, CDC and the Board, we can all work together to protect Minnesota from NWS,” Kivisto said.

The Board of Animal Health said more information about the new requirements is available on its website.