New World screwworm detected near Mimbres; hunters are asked to help

On Sept. 17, 2026, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture announced a new case of New World screwworm (NWS) that has been detected near Mimbres, New Mexico. Individuals that are hunting in the area are asked to help reduce the spread of NWS.

New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living tissue of warm-blooded mammals. A handout on identification can be found here.

All hunters can help

All hunters who have recently been in the Infested Zone or Adjacent Surveillance Zone can report suspicious larva that they noticed while on their hunt. Reports related to livestock can be sent to the New Mexico Livestock Board at 505-841-6161. Reports from wildlife, including harvested game, can be emailed to the New Mexico Department of Wildlife at ispa@dgf.nm.gov.

Interactive Infested Zone Map:

New World screwworm infested zone map

Hunters traveling with livestock

The New Mexico Livestock Board requires that all people, including hunters, outfitters and guides, traveling out of an infested zone with a mule, horse or other livestock animal must meet the following criteria in this link. For questions related to movement restrictions, please contact the NMLB.

An inspection site may become available at a future date. Check the New World screwworm page for updated information.

While hunting and after harvesting game animals

Suspect NWS when you see a live or very recently (within a few hours) dead animal with:  

➤ Maggots/larvae in a wound

➤ White egg packets on or around a wound

➤ Foul or rotting odor associated with a wound

Pay particular attention during periods when wildlife are more likely to sustain wounds, including rut, fighting among males, breeding activity, antler growth, velvet shedding, antler casting, birthing season and newborn animals with umbilical wounds.

If you see suspected NWS:

  1. Take a GPS location.

  2. If it is a game animal, contact the New Mexico Department of Wildlife as soon as possible at 888-248-6866 during regular business hours. After hours or on weekends, please call your local conservation officer.

  3. If it is a livestock animal, contact the New Mexico Livestock Board at 505-841-6161 as soon as possible.

  4. Do not eat, handle or transport the animal.

  5. Take pictures of the wound, larvae or affected animal if possible.

  6. If you can, collect a sample safely. Using gloves or tweezers, place several larvae into a sealed container (small jar or plastic vial) with 70% alcohol. Label with date, GPS location, species and your contact info. Report and submit immediately to the New Mexico Department of Wildlife or the New Mexico Livestock Board.

Your reports are critical for early detection and rapid response. Quick action could protect wildlife and livestock across the state.

*** Please remember that even minor mishandling of game meat can cause non-NWS maggots to develop in muscle tissue. New World screwworms will only be found on alive or very recently dead animals. ***