A horse in Grant County has tested positive for New World screwworm, marking New Mexico’s second reported case this year. The earlier case was found in a dog in Lea County in June, the Albuquerque Journal reported. The Grant County detection was at least 100 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border, according to KOAT.
The distance makes the case notable, but it does not establish how the horse became infected. The World Organisation for Animal Health says the regional resurgence was first notified by Panama in June 2023 and has since been reported in Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Mexico, with more than 20,000 new outbreaks reported in WAHIS. That regional picture provides context, but does not show a route of infection for the Grant County horse.
Inspections are an important early check
For animal owners, regular checks can help identify an infestation early. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension recommends thorough inspections, particularly around wounds, navels, ears and other vulnerable areas.
Santa Teresa reopening remains scheduled
Separately, the Santa Teresa cattle crossing is scheduled to reopen Thursday, September 24, after a closure of nearly two years, KOAT reported. Cattle entering through the crossing are expected to undergo examination, treatment, dipping and vaccination protocols, the station reported. The planned reopening is a related border development; the available reporting does not connect it to how the Grant County horse was infected.
