St. Paul, MN (MinnesotaNow)- The Minnesota Board of Animal Health announced new restrictions Tuesday for importing dogs and cats into the state.
See Also: At Least Six Lives Lost in Minnesota Crashes Since Friday
It’s in response to the detection of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Texas and New Mexico.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture indicates there have been 26 active cases reported in Texas and one reported in New Mexico in the past 30 days. No cases have been reported in any other state.
New Cat & Dog Import Restrictions Announced by Minnesota Board of Animal Health in Response to New World Screwworm in Texas and New Mexico
A news release issued by the Minnesota Board of Animal Health says the New World Screwworm fly lays eggs in small wounds or orifices of livestock, pets, wild animals, humans and other warm-blooded animals.
Once hatched, the maggots begin feeding on living tissue and cause possibly fatal infections if treatment isn’t promptly given.
The new restrictions announced Tuesday prohibits the import of animals from USDA-designated active NWS sites.
Dogs and cats not in the designated sites that are from Texas and New Mexico can still be brought to Minnesota as long as they meet the following criteria:
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by an accredited veterinarian within 72 hours prior to transport.
Have a valid rabies vaccination certificate or pet passport issued no later than three days ahead of the animal’s arrival in Minnesota
Have received An EPA- or FDA-approved NWS treatment
All animals from Texas and New Mexico will be quarantined for five days following their arrival in Minnesota.
Animals brought to the state that do not meet the specifications will be quarantined for at least 10 days and must be examined by a veterinarian.
