Please cross post to other animal groups to provide info & be alert regarding any animals brought in from Haiti due to the possibility of screwworm introduction to USA.
The USDA - Veterinary Services has sent the following alert concerning pets coming into the US from Haiti. Since most of you are too young to remember - attached is information about screw worms. Notice to all veterinary practitioners!
Alert from the USDA Due to the disastrous earthquake in Haiti, there may be an increased number of pets coming into the U.S. The following USDA-Veterinary Service (VS) policy should take effect immediately and remain in affect for the next 10 days for animals arriving at U.S. ports from either Haiti or the Dominican Republic.
The USDA-VS has waived the requirements for health certificates for dogs.
Dogs will, however, require inspection and should be held by CBP and referred to USDA-VS for inspection of possible screwworm infestation. Dogs with open wounds should also be referred for additional exams and veterinary treatment as needed to prevent possible introduction of screwworms into the U.S.
Screwworms have been eradicated in the U. S. since 1982. The only 2 known cases in Texas in the recent past were caught and reported by *private* veterinary practitioners. (forwarders note: private veterinarians, not the USDA at the border)
Please see the following information sheet form the USDA-VS on the clinical signs of screwworms and reasons to avoid introduction of this dangerous pest.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/pubs/fsscworm.html
Dawn D. Blackmar, D.V.M.
Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services Director, Veterinary Public Health www.hcphes.org
Dated January 15, 2010 from the State of Washington Department of Agriculture
"The recent earthquake in Haiti may result in an increase in the numbers of pets and other animals accompanying refugees which are coming into the US.
The following Veterinary Service (VS) policy should take effect immediately and remain in effect for the next 10 days for such animals arriving at US ports of entry by air or boat from either Haiti or the Dominican Republic:
Dogs should be held by CBP and referred to VS for inspection for evidence of screwworm infestation. VS will waive requirements for health certificates for these dogs, but will require inspections and refer dogs with open wounds for further veterinary treatment or exams as needed.
We would like to remind practitioners to continue their vigilance for screwworm myiasis in any animal originating from any screwworm endemic area, including areas of the Caribbean and South America. A screwworm factsheet is available on the WSDA website http://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/AnimalHealth ."
