Utah’s interim committee heard a briefing on the New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) and the potential for northward spread from South America and Mexico. Dr. Amanda Price, the state’s veterinarian, described the fly and its life cycle, noting larvae infest living tissue and can be fatal if untreated.

Price said eradication in the United States was achieved in the 1950s with a sterile‑male release program; more recently Mexico reported cases in late 2023 and the fly has been moving northward. The U.S. response includes closing some southern border livestock ports, requiring inspection and treatment for dogs entering from Mexico, and building a sterile‑fly facility in Texas expected to be operational within about a year. “This case that’s closest to the U.S. is about 370 miles away,” Price said.

She described likely response measures if an infestation is found: a 20‑kilometer (about 12.4‑mile) infested zone would be set around an infected animal; animals moving out of the zone would need a health certificate within seven days and no visible wounds; animals within Utah moving intrastate would require inspection and treatment for wounds within seven days or be treated and held until healed; movement to slaughter could be allowed with topical insecticide if controls are met. Price emphasized the disease primarily poses economic and production losses rather than large‑scale depopulation; early detection and treatment are effective.

Lawmakers asked about treatment options; Price said common livestock parasiticides (including ivermectins) are effective when used appropriately and work is underway with other western states and USDA to develop consistent movement policies.