Screwworm Found in Otero County: What Owners Should Know
Published 23 October 2026
New Mexico animal health officials confirmed a case of New World screwworm in a beef cow in Otero County on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. A zone of at least 12.4 miles now surrounds the cow's location, and animals inside it must be inspected, and treated if needed, before they are moved in or out. If you keep horses, cattle, goats or other animals around Alamogordo, here is what to know and who to call.
What happened in Otero County?
According to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture's announcement of the Otero County case, state and federal officials confirmed screwworm in a beef cow on October 21. Organ Mountain News reported that the cow was near Piñon.
Officials set what they call an infested zone, with a radius of at least 12.4 miles around where the animal was found. They are also adding surveillance and fly traps around affected locations to look for any other cases.
“We are working closely with our state and federal partners to investigate these cases,” State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck said.
What is New World screwworm?
New World screwworm is a parasitic fly. Its larvae feed on living tissue, usually entering through an open wound, and an untreated infestation can kill an animal. It mostly affects livestock, but it can also affect wildlife and pets.
Searchlight New Mexico reported that this is New Mexico's fifth case. The earlier cases were a dog in Lea County, two horses and a calf in Grant County.
The state's ScrewwormNM.org information site says human cases are rare but serious, so it is worth knowing the signs.
What signs should animal owners watch for?
State officials ask owners to look closely at any wound or injury. Call right away if you see:
- A wound that does not heal
- An injury that suddenly gets worse
- Maggots in a wound
- A foul-smelling discharge
- Unusual irritation around an injury
If you suspect screwworm, officials say do not move the animal. Call first.
Who do I call if I think an animal has screwworm?
| Situation | Who to contact | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Suspected case in livestock, horses or pets | New Mexico Livestock Board | (505) 841-6161 |
| After hours | AgroGuard Hotline | 1-800-525-2782 |
| Suspected case in a person | New Mexico Department of Health | 1-833-796-8773 |
| General questions | Your own veterinarian | Your vet's office |
ScrewwormNM.org also has maps of affected areas, movement rules and identification guides.
Does cooler weather end the risk?
Not completely. Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte said, “Cold daytime temperatures can slow screwworm activity, but the risk is not completely eliminated.” State officials are asking people to stay alert through the fall and into spring, and to report anything suspicious quickly.
What does this mean for homeowners and people moving here?
A lot of us around Alamogordo, La Luz, Tularosa and the mountain communities have a horse, a few goats, chickens or a dog that loves to roam. This is a good week to check your animals over and treat any cuts promptly.
If you are buying land or a horse property in Otero County, ask your vet about current movement rules before you bring animals in, and check ScrewwormNM.org for the latest zone map. My Moving to Alamogordo guide and neighborhoods page can help if you are looking for room for animals. For another way to protect a rural property, see my post on the Otero County wildfire protection plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was screwworm found in Otero County?
Yes. New Mexico animal health officials confirmed a New World screwworm case in a beef cow in Otero County on October 21, 2026.
What is the screwworm infested zone?
It is an area with a radius of at least 12.4 miles around where the infested animal was found. Animals in the zone must be inspected, and treated if needed, before moving in or out.
What are the signs of screwworm in animals?
Watch for wounds that do not heal, injuries that suddenly get worse, maggots in wounds and foul-smelling discharge. Unusual irritation around an injury is another warning sign.
Who do I call to report screwworm in New Mexico?
Call the New Mexico Livestock Board at (505) 841-6161, or the AgroGuard Hotline at 1-800-525-2782 after hours. Do not move the animal.
Can people get screwworm?
The state says human cases are rare but serious. Report a suspected case in a person to the New Mexico Department of Health at 1-833-796-8773.
Facts are from the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, ScrewwormNM.org, Searchlight New Mexico and Organ Mountain News, as of 23 October 2026. Zones and rules can change, so check ScrewwormNM.org or call the Livestock Board for the latest.