U.S. Customs and Border Protection is reminding those traveling from Mexico with dogs will need special paperwork to show their animals aren’t carrying the New World screwworm parasite.
Dogs traveling from Mexico to the United States — even just on vacation — need a certificate from a veterinarian in Mexico showing the animal doesn’t have New World screwworm.
The requirement applies to dogs of U.S. origin returning from Mexico after travel, CBP says.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires travelers bringing pet dogs from screwworm-infested countries to show the animal has been inspected by a veterinarian for screwworm within the past five days.
The first cases of New World screwworm arrived in Mexico from Central America in late 2024. Since early June this year, 27 cases have been confirmed in the United States, largely in cattle.
The closest confirmed case to Arizona was reported in a dog in eastern New Mexico. The fly maggots burrow into the flesh of warm-blooded animals and can be deadly if left untreated.
The reminder from CBP comes during the summer travel season when some Arizona residents drive to vacation spots in Mexico, like Puerto Peñasco, with their pets.
"Protecting the health of animals and the public is a top priority for CBP," said CBP’s Timothy Lacasse in a statement. "By enforcing these requirements, we help prevent the introduction and spread of dangerous pests and diseases, ensuring the safety of our communities and livestock."
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