The Idaho State Department of Agriculture instated additional state entry requirements for animals on Wednesday following detections of New World screwworm — a flesh eating parasite — in Texas and New Mexico.

The parasite, first confirmed in the U.S. on June 3, would pose a serious threat to Idaho’s livestock industry, should it spread to the state. The screwworm’s larvae burrow into, and feed on, the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, with the potential to cause severe wounds, pain and bleeding.

The agriculture department’s Wednesday administrative order requires a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection granted, at most, five days before arrival for all warm-blooded animals entering Idaho from states with New World screwworm infestations.

For animals arriving from a designated screwworm-infested zone, the state agriculture department has mandated that a copy of the movement permit from the state-of-origin allowing the animal to depart must be presented. As of Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has only declared screwworm-infested zones in southern Texas.

State officials are also encouraging Idahoans to refrain from taking their pets to states with New World screwworm cases to help mitigate the spread of the disease.

IDAHO FALLS – As windy conditions continue across eastern Idaho on Wednesday, the National Weather Service in Pocatello has issued several major warnings.

A wind advisory went into effect at 11:28 a.m. and will remain in effect until 9 p.m.

Forecasters have also issued a freeze warning early Thursday morning from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. Temperatures between 28 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit are expected for most of the Snake River Plain. The purple areas on the map below will be affected.

“Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation, and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing,” the NWS says in a Wednesday morning alert. “Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.”

With the wind advisory, westerly winds of 25 to 35 mph will continue through Wednesday evening, with gusts up to 50 mph.

Meteorologists say the wind could make driving conditions difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. They’re urging people to be safe.

“Use extra caution. Secure outdoor objects,” forecasters say.

It also poses a risk to boaters and outdoor recreators.

“Boaters on area lakes should use extra caution since strong winds and rough waves can overturn small craft,” the alert says.

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