Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper announced that the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) will immediately implement enhanced interstate movement health requirements for all warm-blooded animals entering Georgia.
Why has this rule been implemented? This rule follows the detection of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Zavala County, Texas, and applies to animals such as equine, livestock, and companion animals.
What Commissioner Tyler J Harper is saying:
- “As a farmer and cattle producer, I understand the concerns surrounding the recent detection of New World Screwworm in Texas. While there have been no detections in Georgia, this serves as an important reminder of the need for vigilance and preparedness.”
- “The Georgia Department of Agriculture is actively monitoring the situation and working closely with our state and federal partners to protect animal health, support our producers, and safeguard Georgia’s #1 industry - agriculture.”
- “I encourage all Georgians to follow these mandatory animal movement requirements and stay informed as we continue to provide updates and guidance to help protect Georgia agriculture.”
Context: These measures are being taken out of an abundance of caution to safeguard Georgia’s number one industry and may be updated as new information becomes available.
Any warm-blooded animal entering Georgia from an area affected by New World Screwworm (NWS) must comply with the NWS National Animal Movement Guidance and obtain an entry permit from the GDA at least 48 hours before entering the state.
For context, warm-blooded animals imported into Georgia from outside an infested zone, but originating from a surveillance zone or a high-risk county, must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).
The CVI is valid for no more than seven days from the date of inspection and must certify that all listed animals were inspected and found free of NWS.
Georgia is taking proactive steps to keep New World Screwworm out of our state. In response to the recent detection in South Texas, enhanced interstate movement requirements for warm-blooded animals, including equine, livestock, and companion animals, are being put in place for… pic.twitter.com/uEcXY5Hlu5
— Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper (@AgCommHarperGA) June 5, 2026
