Lea County screwworm case keeps Lovington-area ranchers on alert

Lovington-area ranchers, pet owners, and families are being urged to pay close attention to wounds after New Mexico confirmed its first New World screwworm case in Lea County.

Officials say the case was detected June 7, 2026, and confirmed June 9, 2026 in a dog. In response, state officials established a 12-mile infested zone and expanded monitoring to catch any signs of spread early.

What officials say is confirmed—and what the “infested zone” means

NMDA reports a 12-mile infested zone around the affected animal’s location to support surveillance, treatment, and safe animal movement. Within that zone, animals must be inspected and, if necessary, treated before moving within or out of the area.

State and federal officials also describe a broader surveillance zone extending beyond the infested zone, with increased surveillance and fly trapping to look for evidence the pest may be spreading.

Officials say routine animal movement—like traveling to livestock auctions, fairs, veterinary visits, or recreational trips—is generally not restricted unless an inspector flags a higher-risk situation based on animal health or wound status.

What to do today: check wounds fast and report quickly

NMDA lists warning signs that may include:

• Wounds that fail to heal or worsen over time
• Maggots in a wound
• Foul-smelling or draining wounds
• Animals persistently licking, biting, or aggravating a wound
• Irritation, discomfort, or unusual behavior around an injury site

For Lovington-area owners, the practical steps start with this: inspect any wound that isn’t healing normally. If you see a suspicious wound—or suspect New World screwworm—immediately contact the New Mexico Livestock Board and avoid moving the affected animal.

NMDA also advises owners to keep open wounds clean and covered. Animals infested with New World screwworm should be treated right away under a veterinarian’s direction.

NMSU notes the same core approach—regular inspections, watching for warning signs, and acting quickly. It also encourages residents to consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment options and to report suspected cases to the Livestock Board by calling 505-841-6161 or using the reporting resources linked by NMSU.

Local help: free screwworm testing kits via county Extension

New Mexico’s response includes a free New World screwworm testing program. NMSU reports that testing kits are available at all 33 county Extension offices, and that samples should be submitted only if screwworm is strongly suspected.

Where to follow updates next

For ongoing federal tracking and the latest confirmed-detection information, USDA APHIS maintains a New World screwworm “current status” page. It also includes steps for reporting suspected cases and links to related response and regional trade-restriction information.

This isn’t a reason to panic. It is a reason to tighten routines: check wounds quickly and report suspected cases without delay—especially for pets, livestock, and wildlife with injuries that don’t look right.

Sources

• New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMSU/State update) — “State confirms first New World screwworm case in Lea County”
• USDA APHIS — Current status page (animal diseases / livestock & poultry disease tracking)
• NMSU Newsroom — NMSU experts on New World screwworm preparedness (local producer guidance)
• KRWG Public Media — Vigilance needed after screwworm crosses the Texas border (Lea County impact coverage)
• Associated Press — New Mexico and Texas screwworm cases (national corroboration)