Florida man arrested after allegedly illegally importing livestock from New World Screwworm risk area

Tallahassee, Florida – Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson has announced the arrest of a Maitland man accused of illegally bringing livestock into the state after being denied entry at an agricultural inspection station because he did not have the required veterinary documentation. The case involves 24 sheep and goats that originated from Texas, an area considered high risk for New World Screwworm under Florida’s emergency livestock protection measures.

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Roger Rodriguez Vega allegedly attempted to enter Florida with the animals but failed to provide the required Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. The document is mandatory under Florida law and under the state’s emergency rules designed to prevent the introduction and spread of New World Screwworm.

The incident began when Rodriguez Vega arrived at the Pensacola Agricultural Inspection Station while transporting the livestock from Texas. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) officers inspected the situation and determined that the necessary veterinary paperwork was not available.

Because the animals came from a location identified as a high-risk New World Screwworm area, officers refused entry into Florida and informed Rodriguez Vega that he could not legally continue into the state with the livestock without the required documentation.

Following the attempted entry, OALE issued a statewide Be On the Lookout (BOLO) alert to notify law enforcement personnel about the vehicle and the animals involved. Investigators later determined that Rodriguez Vega allegedly bypassed the inspection process by re-entering Florida through Georgia.

Authorities located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. During that stop, investigators said Rodriguez Vega again failed to provide a valid Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection for the 24 sheep and goats.

He was subsequently arrested and faces 24 counts of Unlawful Entry of Animals into the State and one count of Resisting an Officer Without Violence.

Commissioner Simpson said Florida’s livestock protections are designed to prevent serious threats to agriculture, animals, and the state’s food supply.

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“Florida has taken a proactive and aggressive approach to protecting our livestock, agricultural industry, pets, wildlife, and food supply from the very real threat of New World Screwworm, and we will not tolerate anyone who breaks the law and attempts to circumvent those protections,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “I commend the hard work of our agricultural law enforcement officers, who serve as the front line of defense against devastating animal diseases and pests as well as criminal activity. This arrest also serves as a warning to others that we will hold accountable anyone who intentionally violates Florida law and threatens our state’s farmers and ranchers.”

The commissioner emphasized that agricultural law enforcement officers play a key role in preventing diseases and pests from entering Florida. Officials said the arrest demonstrates the state’s commitment to enforcing emergency animal movement rules and protecting farmers, ranchers, and animal owners.

New World Screwworm is a serious parasitic disease caused by the larvae of a fly species that feeds on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. The pest was eradicated from the United States decades ago, but recent detections in Mexico and parts of the southern United States have increased concerns among animal health officials.

While Florida has not reported any detections of New World Screwworm, FDACS officials continue working with the United States Department of Agriculture, state animal health authorities, veterinarians, livestock producers, and wildlife organizations to monitor the situation and prepare for possible threats.

The department is encouraging veterinarians, livestock owners, animal shelters, rescue organizations, and other animal professionals to remain alert for possible signs of infection. Officials said early detection and immediate reporting are among the most important steps in preventing the spread of the parasite.

Signs of possible New World Screwworm infestation often include slow-healing wounds containing larvae. FDACS has developed educational materials to help animal owners and professionals recognize symptoms and understand reporting procedures.

Anyone who suspects a possible case of New World Screwworm can contact FDACS at (850) 410-0900 during regular business hours or 1-800-342-5869 after hours. Reports can also be submitted by email at [email protected] or through FDACS resources online.

For wildlife concerns, including suspected screwworm cases involving sick or injured animals, residents are encouraged to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) or email the Wildlife Health Team at [email protected].

The arrest comes after a series of actions taken by Commissioner Simpson and FDACS to strengthen Florida’s protections against New World Screwworm. The department began increasing preparedness efforts in February 2025 by creating an internal working group to develop guidance for veterinarians, producers, and the public.

In May 2025, FDACS launched a statewide awareness and preparedness campaign focused on educating animal professionals, livestock producers, shelters, and other groups about the risks associated with the parasite. Later that month, Florida State Veterinarian Dr. Mike Short joined the National Working Group on New World Screwworm to help develop response plans and protocols.

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Additional steps followed as concerns increased. In July 2025, Commissioner Simpson called on federal agencies, including the USDA, FDA, and EPA, to support the development and approval of effective treatments. In April 2026, he issued an emergency rule creating stronger import requirements for animals coming from high-risk areas.

After the USDA confirmed New World Screwworm in Texas, Florida issued additional emergency protections. Emergency Rule 5CER26-6 was announced on June 5, 2026, followed by Emergency Rule 5CER26-7 on June 10, 2026, which expanded restrictions involving rescue and shelter animals from affected states and increased geographic controls on animal movement.

FDACS officials said continued cooperation among government agencies, veterinarians, farmers, and the public remains essential in protecting Florida’s agricultural economy and animal population. The department continues to encourage anyone involved with animals to stay informed, follow movement requirements, and report any suspected cases quickly.