Official PA State Quarantine Order Against New World Screwworm

Hanover, Pa. –  While there are currently no cases of New World Screwworm (NWS) in the state, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Health has issued a quarantine order that took effect on June 9, 2026.

New World Screwworm is a parasite whose larvae eat the flesh of warm-blooded animals. It can devastate entire herds and flocks. Previously eradicated from the US in 1966, the parasite has recently reemerged in the southern United States.

While NWS cannot overwinter in Pennsylvania due to the cold climate, it could travel to our state via an infected animal and cause harm until temperatures drop in the fall. As a result, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Health issued the quarantine order which places movement and import restrictions on warm-blooded animals entering or traveling through Pennsylvania, including cattle, sheep, goats, horses, swine, dogs, cats, and other susceptible animals.

Any domestic animal that is suspected of being infested with New World Screwworm or originates from an affected location or quarantine zone (currently the states of New Mexico and Texas), must be examined by an accredited veterinarian before entering Pennsylvania and must be determined to be free of NWS. Animals originating from a quarantined premises are prohibited from entering Pennsylvania until a State Animal Health Official determines they are free of disease.

If anyone suspects an NWS infestation, they should immediately contact their veterinarian and report the suspected case to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services at (717) 772-2852. Prompt reporting is essential to protect Pennsylvania’s livestock, pets, and wildlife.

For more information, contact the Penn State Extension in York County at 717-840-7408.

The above information is credited to the Penn State Extension article, “Update on the New World Screwworm” posted June 15, 2026, at https://tinyurl.com/5n876hbc. Helpful documents include USDA’s “The Facts About New World Screwworm” found online at https://tinyurl.com/3zpa572s and Pennsylvania’s Interstate and International Quarantine Order issued June 9, 2026, available at https://www.hanoverboroughpa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3016/New-World-Screwworm-PA-Quarantine-Announcement-Doc.

The Borough of Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania, was incorporated in 1815. The Borough serves the public through stewardship, government, development, and improvements of public assets including water/sewer/stormwater & refuse utilities, parks & recreation facilities, the Hanover Market House, the Guthrie Memorial Library, as well as Code Enforcement, Police & Fire Departments. It is governed by the Borough Council, overseen by the Borough Manager, and staffed by administrative, public service, public works, sewer, water, refuse, and engineering professionals. Known as the Snack Food Capital of the World, Hanover is home, not only to numerous food industries, but also to manufacturing, metal fabrication, technology, commercial sales, and services. Hanover Borough offices, located at 33 Frederick Street, can be reached at 717-637-3877 or by email at Info@HanoverBoroughPA.gov. More information is also available at www.HanoverBoroughPA.gov.