If you’re planning a trip to Mexico with your dog, it can be an exciting destination to explore together. But if you're considering travelling safely with your dog during the current screwworm outbreak, it's worth taking a little extra time to prepare.
New World screwworm is an important animal-health concern because its larvae can infest the wounds of living animals. The situation is evolving, and travel requirements can change as authorities respond to the outbreak. That doesn't necessarily mean you need to put your travel plans on hold. Instead, think of preparation as another part of getting your dog ready for the journey.
In this article, we take a look at what to check before you travel, what to look out for while you're away, and why it's important to think about the trip home, too.
New World screwworm, also known as NWS, is a parasitic fly whose larvae can develop in wounds and feed on the living tissue of animals. Dogs and other mammals can be affected. The situation is being closely monitored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), with Mexico and other countries in the region taking measures to control the pest.
Because the situation can change over time, it's important to check the latest information before travelling rather than relying on advice published several months ago. The USDA maintains an updated resource covering the current status of New World screwworm, including information about cases and response efforts, as well as the latest entry requirements.
Current USDA APHIS guidance includes specific New World screwworm requirements for dogs travelling from the United States to Mexico. These include an NWS Inspection Certificate for Pet Dogs Moving from the United States to Mexico and an inspection by Mexican animal-health authorities on arrival. Dogs must also be healthy, free of ectoparasites, and free of fresh or healing wounds.
The certificate is issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within the required timeframe before entry. Requirements can change, so check the official USDA APHIS Mexico pet-travel guidance shortly before your journey and ask your veterinarian what documentation applies. Don't leave the paperwork until the last minute, particularly if any documents need USDA endorsement.
Your airline or transportation provider may also have separate pet-travel requirements, so check these directly before departure.
One of the simplest ways of travelling safely with dogs is to give your dog a thorough check before setting off. Look for anything that could need attention, including cuts or scratches, irritated areas of skin, hot spots, healing wounds, swelling or unusual discharge, signs of parasites and areas of irritation hidden beneath a thick coat. If you notice anything concerning, speak to your veterinarian before travelling.
This is especially important because current Mexican entry guidance says dogs should not have fresh or healing wounds when presented for inspection. Your vet can also talk to you about parasite prevention and whether your dog's routine preventative care is appropriate for your destination.
A vacation is a great opportunity for your dog to explore new places, but new environments can also mean new encounters with insects and parasites. Before travelling, ask your veterinarian whether your dog's existing parasite-prevention routine is suitable for your trip.
You may also want to discuss your dog's destination and planned activities, how much time they'll spend outdoors, whether they'll be hiking, camping or visiting rural areas, how to check their skin and coat after outdoor adventures and what to do if your dog develops a wound.
You don't have to spend your vacation worrying about every scratch, but it's sensible to make checking your dog part of your normal routine. After walks, hikes or outdoor adventures, have a quick look over your dog. Pay particular attention to their paws, legs and other areas that may have come into contact with rough vegetation or other potential sources of injury.
If your dog does develop a wound while you're away, don't ignore it. Clean and care for the wound according to your veterinarian's advice, and seek veterinary attention if you're concerned about its appearance or your dog's health. If you're staying somewhere remote, it can also be useful to identify a local veterinary clinic before you need one.
It's easy to focus on getting your dog into Mexico and forget about what happens when it's time to return. But travelling with your dog is a two-way trip. USDA APHIS currently has specific requirements for dogs arriving in the United States from countries affected by screwworm. That means you should check the U.S. re-entry requirements before you leave home, rather than trying to work them out while you're already on vacation.
The CDC also requires a CDC Dog Import Form receipt for each dog entering or returning to the United States. Other requirements can depend on your dog's travel history and the countries visited. The safest approach is to check both USDA APHIS and CDC guidance before your trip and again shortly before you return.
The current screwworm outbreak is something dog owners should be aware of when planning travel to Mexico, but it doesn't mean you need to panic. The best approach is to stay informed, keep your dog in good health, and check the latest official requirements before every international trip.
Pay particular attention to your dog's skin and coat, ask your veterinarian about parasite prevention, and make sure you understand the paperwork that may be required. And don't forget to check the rules for coming home as well as those for entering Mexico.
Travel rules and animal-health guidance can change, particularly during an ongoing outbreak, so checking again shortly before you set off is always a good idea. With a little preparation, you can spend less time worrying about the paperwork and more time enjoying your Mexican adventure together.
09 September, 2026