Colorado Approved New Screwworm Emergency Rule

The state agricultural commission enacted new protections against the parasite after previous rules expired.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Large Animals

Isometric editorial illustration of a steel livestock gate on a vast, dry prairie landscape, representing agricultural parasite control regulations. — The Colorado Agricultural Commission has approved an emergency rule requiring mandatory parasite inspections and wound treatments for livestock entering the state. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Colorado Agricultural Commission has recommended the adoption of an updated emergency rule to protect the state livestock industry from the New World Screwworm. This action follows reports of parasite detections in Texas and New Mexico and rising cases in northern Mexico.

Why it matters

The rule proactively shields local livestock from the risk of infestation during periods of increased international animal transport. It addresses ongoing outbreaks in neighboring regions to prevent the parasite from entering the state.

The rule mandates that veterinary inspection certificates be issued within 5 days of movement for warm-blooded animals entering from infested zones. It grants authorities the power to order quarantines or force the return of non-compliant livestock.

The players

Colorado Agricultural Commission

This state body is responsible for overseeing agricultural policy and livestock health regulations in Colorado.

USDA

The United States Department of Agriculture is the federal agency that sets national standards for animal health and import safety.

CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention works on federal import protocols to manage public and animal health risks.

CBP

U.S. Customs and Border Protection enforces federal import requirements for animals crossing international borders.

The details

Under the new mandate, livestock entering Colorado must undergo pre-movement inspections, wound treatments, and post-arrival checks to ensure they are free of the parasite. Animals imported from affected countries are also required to meet strict federal protocols set by the USDA, CDC, and CBP.

October 9, 2026: The previous emergency rule expired, necessitating this updated policy.

Roadmap

This emergency rule acts as a critical state-level extension of the USDA federal import protocols for livestock. By tightening inspection windows, Colorado positions itself to prevent the entry of invasive pests that threaten the stability of the broader agricultural supply chain.

Livestock owners and transporters must ensure that all animals entering Colorado from designated regions possess a valid veterinary inspection certificate issued within the required 5-day window. Failure to comply with these entry permits and inspection mandates may lead to mandatory quarantine or the immediate return of animals.

The takeaway

Proactive inspection and wound treatment are the most effective ways to prevent the spread of parasites in livestock populations. Producers should maintain rigorous documentation to avoid costly quarantine delays at state borders.