Livestock and Natural Resources

News updates

Effective June 12, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is implementing additional New World Screwworm (NWS) entry requirements for animals entering California from NWS affected areas. These requirements apply to livestock, poultry, camelids, equids, captive cervids, and companion animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, pet psittacines, and domestic rodents. 

 

sideview of new world screwworm fly
New World screwworm flies are usually the size of a common housefly with orange eyes, a metallic green or blue body, and three dark stripes along its back. Photo credit: USDA

New World Screwworm in the US

USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the detection of New World Screwworm in Texas on June 3, 2026. For updates, check the USDA APHIS confirmed detection dashboard.

What is New World Screwworm (NWS)?

NWS is a fly that lays eggs in open wounds. Its larvae (maggots) feed on living flesh in warm-blood animals, causing severe, often deadly damage to the animal. For educational resources and information visit the UC Riverside Murillo Research Group.

 

 

Bridging UC Research and Rangeland Management

We provide California’s livestock ranchers and managers with the evidence-based information necessary to balance productive livestock operations with environmental stewardship. Our resources cover the full spectrum of range management—including livestock health, ecosystem services, and rangeland hydrology—ensuring that the state's natural resources are managed for today and preserved for tomorrow.

California Agriculture journal, October - December 2012, Volume 66, Issue 4. Photo by Sarah E. Moffitt.
Photo credit: Sarah E. Moffitt

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While our navigation menu helps you find resources by species, we also provide specialized, research-based publications and guidance on the following critical landscape and management topics:

  • Environmental Stewardship: Ecosystem Services, Oak Woodlands, and Wildlife Management
  • Water & Land Health: Rangeland Hydrology, Non-point Source Pollution, and Water Quality
  • Production & Economics: Livestock and Natural Resource Economics, Range Improvements, and Production Management
  • Pasture & Health: Irrigated Pastures and Livestock Health

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