31447514, 5CER26-15 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Notice: 31447514

Notice of Emergency Rule

Department:

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

Division:

Division of Animal Industry

Overview

RULE:

5CER26-15

Interstate Import Requirements for Warm-Blooded Animals Originating from Areas Impacted by New World Screwworm

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 multiple 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, is fair and justified because it provides at least the procedural protection given by other statutes, the State Constitution, or the United States Constitution, and it takes 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 order to limit the spread and impact of NWS, the emergency rule implements more stringent inspection and treatment protocols for animals being transported to Florida from affected areas.

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=5CER26-15&PDate=10/5/2026&Section=4

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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