fl-31449454: 5CER26-14 — Interstate Import Requirements for Warm-Blooded Animals Originating from Areas Impacted by New World Screwworm

31449454, 5CER26-14 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register - FAC, FAR, eRulemaking Home About Us Contact Us Help Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services Home Advanced Search MyFLRules Rules Open for Comments Notice: 31449454 Notice of Emergency Rule Department: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES Division: Division of Animal Industry Overview RULE: 5CER26-14   Interstate Import Requirements for Warm-Blooded Animals Originating from Areas Impacted by New World Screwworm (Repealed) SPECIFIC REASONS FOR FINDING AN IMMEDIATE DANGER TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY OR WELFARE:   The presence of New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) has been confirmed in both Texas and New Mexico, and there are numerous active cases involving domestic animals. New World Screwworms (NWS) are fly larvae that feed on living flesh, often entering through wound sites found on livestock and other animals. If not discovered and effectively treated, an infestation of NWS can be fatal. Immediate action, including the implementation of stringent inspection protocols and specifically timed treatment requirements for animals being transported from the affected region, is necessary to limit the spread and impact of NWS. REASON FOR CONCLUDING THAT THE PROCEDURE IS FAIR UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES:   Adopting this emergency rule pursuant to s. 120.54(4), Florida Statutes, was fair and justified because it provided at least the procedural protection given by other statutes, the State Constitution, or the United States Constitution, and it took only the actions necessary to protect the public interest. NWS poses an immediate danger to public health, safety, and welfare, and emergency rulemaking is necessary to prevent the introduction and spread of this potentially deadly pest. The immediate, temporary imposition of more stringent inspection requirements for animals imported from the affected region is the only viable means of ensuring the protection of Florida animals susceptible to this threat.

Summary

In response to the threat posed by NWS, the Department took immediate action by imposing certain restrictions on the importation of animals from the affected region. The Department subsequently expanded the application of animal movement restrictions in order to more appropriately address the changing situation. EXPLANATION OF WHY THE EMERGENCY RULE IS NO LONGER REQUIRED: NWS remains present in the U.S., but the conditions necessitating the emergency rule have continued to evolve rapidly. Recent data has shown a consistent reduction in the population of NWS, indicating that the scope of this emergency rule is no longer appropriate to address the current threat posed by NWS. THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE EMERGENCY RULE IS:   Dr. Michael A. Short, State Veterinarian, Director, Division of Animal Industry, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 407 S. Calhoun St., Rm. 330, Mayo Bldg., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0800; (850)410-0900; AnimalIndustry@fdacs.gov. PRINT PUBLISH DATE: 10/5/2026   Vol. 52/193 OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE: Joint Administrative Procedures Committee Florida Administrative Law Central Online Network (F.A.L.C.O.N.) RELATED COURT CASES: Division of Administrative Hearings FEDERAL eRULEMAKING WEB PORTAL: Regulations.gov HOW TO LINK TO THIS NOTICE: http://flrules.org/gateway/ruleno.asp?id=5CER26-14&PDate=10/5/2026&Section=4 REFERENCE MATERIALS: No reference(s). Home Advanced Search MyFLRules Rules Open for Comments About Us Contact Us Help  Privacy Policies Accessibility Statement Copyright @ 2010 State of Florida Department of State Under Florida law, E-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your E-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.