Georgia agriculture officials have expanded animal entry requirements following the detection of New World screwworm in the United States, a livestock pest that was eradicated from the country decades ago.
Livestock producers are being urged to stay alert following the recent confirmation of a New World screwworm case in the United States.
The USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a calf in Zavala County, Texas, on June 3. The CDC says no locally acquired human infestations have been reported in the United States, but the outbreak has been moving northward through Central America and Mexico since 2023, affecting livestock, pets, wildlife, and people.
New World screwworm is a serious pest that can infest wounds in warm-blooded animals. Because of the potential risk to livestock and agriculture, the USDA has released preparedness resources for producers, including current status updates, a U.S. response plan, fact sheets, field identification guides, and additional response materials.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says it also plans to release simplified resources in the coming weeks to help producers better understand the USDA response playbook.
Producers are encouraged to review USDA materials and monitor livestock closely for suspicious wounds or signs of infestation.
Georgia agriculture leaders are continuing efforts to strengthen the state’s farming industry through new business resources and expanded market opportunities.
Apple farmers in North Georgia are watching the weather closely as a months-long drought raises concerns about the upcoming fall harvest.
In Gilmer County, home to Ellijay — known as the Apple Capital of Georgia — orchard owners say dry conditions are already putting stress on apple trees. Curled leaves, reduced moisture, and weakened tree health could all affect the size and quality of this year’s crop.
Agriculture experts say drought-stressed trees are more vulnerable to disease, fungus, and bacteria. Without enough rainfall, apple trees may produce lower yields and smaller fruit, and in more severe cases, some apples could fall from the trees before harvest.
Farmers say North Georgia has received more rain than some other parts of the state, but several areas remain in severe drought. Growers are hoping for more rain before the fall apple season begins.
Apple picking season in North Georgia traditionally begins around Labor Day weekend and continues through October.
Agriculture and animal health officials in Georgia and Alabama are urging livestock owners, pet owners, and outdoor enthusiasts to be on alert after the Asian Longhorned Tick was confirmed in multiple counties across the region.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, April 23, 2026:
Farmers in Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia may soon see relief after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designated 126 Georgia counties as natural disaster areas due to ongoing drought conditions.
The Chattooga County Young Farmers are once again offering Georgia-Grown Vidalia onions for sale as the 2026 season gets underway.
According to the group, the order deadline is April 17, with pickup tentatively planned for the last week of April. Customers can place an order through a Young Farmer member or by scanning the QR code on the sale flyer.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture says the state has officially been declared free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu, though officials stress that poultry growers and flock owners still need to stay on guard. Georgia regained its HPAI-free status as of March 13, allowing the state to resume exports and international trade of poultry products.
The University of Georgia Beef Team is hosting a free educational webinar to help producers and the public learn more about the New World Screwworm and how to prepare for the potential threat.