New screwworm rule requires ‘Screwwom-Freedom Certificate’ for dogs crossing from Juárez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is requiring dogs crossing the border into the U.S. to have a Screwworm-Freedom Certificate.

According to the USDA, before dogs can enter the United States, they must:

1. Seek a veterinary exam and treatment
2. Get a Screwworm-Freedom certificate
3. Show the certificate at the port of entry

The screwworm-freedom certificate states:

• The dog has been inspected for screwworm within 5 days before shipment to the United States.
• The dog is screwworm free.
• Or the dog was infested with screwworm, held in quarantine and treated until free from screwworm before leaving the region.

The certificate costs about $80 or 1500 pesos and only lasts for five days.