Dear NMSU Community,
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, many members of our university community are preparing to travel to spend time with family and friends. If you plan to travel with pets or other animals, we want to make you aware of new animal health requirements that may affect your plans.
Following cases of New World screwworm (NWS) in Doña Ana County, the New Mexico Livestock Board has established additional animal inspection and travel requirements to help prevent its spread. New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae can infest wounds in warm-blooded animals, including pets, livestock and wildlife.
What you need to know if you're traveling with animals
The New Mexico Livestock Board has issued the following guidance for pet owners traveling from a designated infested zone, including Doña Ana County:
Veterinary inspections are strongly recommended. Pets leaving an infested zone should be inspected and found free of New World screwworm infestation before traveling.
Pets with wounds or other risk factors require special attention. If your pet has a wound or condition that increases its risk of infestation, contact your veterinarian before traveling.
Movement Certificates may be needed. Depending on your destination and applicable requirements, a Movement Certificate may be necessary. These certificates can be issued by a licensed and accredited veterinarian or authorized NWS inspector.
Plan ahead if a certificate is required. Movement Certificates must be submitted at least 48 hours before travel for review and approval, and the associated inspection must be completed within five days before travel.
Check requirements for out-of-state travel. Destination states may have additional requirements for health certificates, vaccinations, testing or treatment. The USDA's state-to-state pet travel website allows travelers to select their destination state and review its specific requirements.
Animals traveling into an infested zone from outside the zone do not require an NWS Movement Certificate solely for entering the zone. However, preventive treatment may be beneficial.
Different, more stringent movement requirements apply to livestock and certain other regulated animals.
Planning ahead for Thanksgiving
We recognize that these new requirements may create unexpected complications and additional expenses, particularly for students preparing to return home for the holiday. Veterinary appointments may also become more difficult to secure as Thanksgiving approaches.
If you plan to travel with a pet, we encourage you to contact your veterinarian ahead of time to discuss inspection and treatment recommendations and determine whether any travel documentation is required for your destination.
NMSU Pet Travel Inspection Clinic: November 17–18
To help members of our campus community prepare for holiday travel, NMSU's Cooperative Extension Service is hosting a Pet Travel Inspection Clinic for NMSU students, faculty and staff, offering a convenient opportunity to have dogs and cats inspected before traveling.
Dates: Tuesday, November 17, and Wednesday, November 18
Time: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days
Location: NMSU Feed Mill Parking Lot, near the corner of Knox Street and Stewart Street
Format: Drive-through pet inspections
Cost: Inspection fees will only apply if medication is administered.
What to bring:
Your dog or cat needing inspection
Proof of current rabies vaccination
NMSU ID (student or employee)
Any additional travel documentation that may be required by your destination state
For questions about the clinic, contact the Southwest District Cooperative Extension Office at 575-646-2584.
Local veterinary providers
If you are unable to attend the on-campus clinic, the following veterinary providers have been identified as offering or potentially providing the required inspections and certifications. Costs and appointment availability may vary, and some clinics are only accepting existing clients. Please contact providers directly to confirm services, pricing and availability.
Veterinary provider | Phone number | Reported cost / availability |
East Lohman Veterinary Clinic | 575-523-5654 | $150 |
Calista Animal Hospital | 575-525-1000 | Existing clients only; call for pricing |
Arroyo Veterinary Clinic | 575-524-0900 | $120 |
Animal Hospital of Las Cruces | 575-541-6610 | $150 for new clients; potentially $25 for existing clients |
Schumacher Veterinary Clinic | 575-524-2894 | Existing clients only; call for pricing |
Jornada Veterinary | 575-382-1710 | $50 for existing clients; $120 for new clients; $101 for out-of-state travel |
Zia Vet Clinic (Zia Mobile Vet) | 575-222-0730 | Existing clients only; call for pricing |
William J. Schumacher & Associates | 575-524-2894 | Existing clients only; call for pricing |
Pet Dr. 911 Pet Urgent Care | 575-523-8888 | Call for pricing and availability |
Monsoon Veterinary Services, LLC | 520-686-2171 | Call for pricing and availability |
Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley | 575-382-0018 | Call for pricing and availability |
Dr. Deborah Cook | 575-523-5654 | Call for pricing and availability |
This information is provided as a resource to help with travel planning. Fees and availability are not guaranteed and are subject to change. Inclusion on this list does not constitute an endorsement by NMSU.
Additional information
You can find the latest information on animal movement guidelines, prevention and reporting on the New World Screwworm Awareness website.
We understand that these additional precautions may present challenges during an already busy time of year. We hope the on-campus clinic will help make preparing for holiday travel easier and more affordable for our community.
Thank you for taking steps to protect your animals and help prevent the spread of New World screwworm. We wish you safe travels and an enjoyable Thanksgiving break.
Sincerely,
Andrew Bowen
Assistant Vice President
NMSU Office of Public Safety