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NCWriter
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Nov 03, 2016

Traveling with animals to Fla. Keys -Screw Worm

On arrival at John Pennekamp State Park this week, we were given information from the Rangers about a confirmed infestation of New World Screw Worm. It has killed many of the small Key Deer already down on Big Pine Key, along with at least one dog.
It can also infest human beings.

Before leaving the Keys driving north, you'll have to stop at an check point set up by the Florida Department of Agriculture at Mile Marker 106 for a mandatory check of your warm-blooded animals. We stopped there this morning, answered questions, and were on our way in five minutes.

I wouldn't risk bringing an animal down if it has any open sores. It's pretty grim-sounding, although it can be treated.

For more info: www.FreshFromFlorida.com/ScrewWorm

16 Replies

  • We were going to do some camping in FL this winter - maybe we'll avoid the Keys until they get this under control (which it sounds like they're pretty good at doing!) Also makes me wonder if there will be a concern with a fly or two hitchhiking in an RV?
  • Here's the Quarantine Zone Directive: (basically everything south of Key Largo/Mile Marker #91)

    Zone
  • azdryheat wrote:
    We have friends who travel the Keys on their yacht - who checks their dog? But then, they stay on Marathon Key so it's probably moot.


    Good question. The USDA is trying to contain this so it doesn't spread to infest the livestock industry.

    Actually Marathon is about 50 miles closer to Big Pine Key where all the endangered Key Deer have died than we were up in Key Largo.
  • We have friends who travel the Keys on their yacht - who checks their dog? But then, they stay on Marathon Key so it's probably moot.
  • Appreciate that clicky - on the highway and the 4G comes and goes.

    The ag inspector was a nice guy who was telling us about the process the state is now using of irradiating male flies to render them sterile and try to wipe out the population.