Site Administrator | Hawaii VMA

New World Screwworm Updates

Effective August 3, 2026: Mexico will require USDA-accredited veterinarians to issue New World screwworm inspection documents for pet dogs and pet birds traveling to Mexico. Pet cats will continue to travel to Mexico with no documents needed prior to travel.

Pet Dogs

Pet dogs will be required to travel with a NWS Inspection Certificate for Pet Dogs Moving (Exporting) from the United States to Mexico that is issued and signed by a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian within 5 days of arrival in Mexico. This form does NOT require APHIS endorsement.

Pet Birds

Pet birds may travel to Mexico beginning August 3, 2026 and will be required to travel with a NWS Inspection Addendum for Pet Birds Moving (Exporting) from the United States to Mexico that is issued and signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 5 days of arrival in Mexico. This addendum does NOT require APHIS endorsement; however, it will be required IN ADDITION TO the “Veterinary Health Certificate for Export of Pet Birds from the United States of America to Mexico”, which must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian AND endorsed by APHIS prior to travel.

Pet Cats

Pet cats will continue to travel to Mexico with no documents needed prior to travel.

Please refer to the relevant sections of the APHIS Pet Travel to Mexico webpage for more details.

APHIS’ NWS notice regarding NWS restrictions to Mexico has been updated accordingly:

Due to the detection of New World screwworm (NWS, Cochliomyia hominivorax) in the United States, Mexico continues to prohibit exports of the following species from all U.S. states:

Cattle (slaughter and reproduction)
Wild ruminants (non-bovine)
Equine (slaughter, breeding/work, and sport/exhibition/transit)
Sheep and goats (slaughter and reproduction)
Swine (reproduction)
Ferrets (commercial and pets)
Songbirds/ornamental birds/raptors (commercial and pets)
All zoological species as listed under the “Zoological Animals” and “Other Animals” section of the IREGs Mexico page

ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE
As of November 22, 2024, Mexico is considered to be affected with screwworm. All dogs (including U.S.-origin dogs returning to the United States after traveling to Mexico) must meet APHIS requirements for screwworm freedom certification upon entry (re-entry) into the United States. Additional information can be found on the APHIS Dog Import Website.

ASPCA has developed guidance for Animal Transport here.

Canine Distemper in Hawaii

Submitted by Erika Sox, DVM, DACVIM

While we enjoy a low prevalence of Canine distemper virus in Hawaii, we do occasionally see cases here and it is important to remain vigilant to protect pets that may be vulnerable to infection.

Canine distemper is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease of domestic dogs. Young puppies and unvaccinated adult dogs in high density housing are at highest risk. Acutely affected dogs commonly exhibit clinical signs of fever, lethargy and inappetence, respiratory signs (nasal discharge, coughing and labored breathing due to pneumonia), ocular signs (uveitis, KCS), and GI signs (anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea with or without blood). In severe cases, these may be followed by central neurologic signs such as clonic muscle tremors and seizures. Neurologic signs can take up to 3 months to develop and sometimes do so without other preceding clinical signs. ^{1, 2}

Diagnosis is made by recognition of compatible clinical signs, along with confirmation through testing, ideally with quantitative RT-PCR which can distinguish between natural and vaccine-derived distemper. Testing is readily available through commercial veterinary labs but take several days to return, making clinical suspicion and proper handling of suspect cases imperative while awaiting results. Distemper should be considered in any febrile dog exhibiting symptoms of the GI, respiratory and neurological systems, especially if unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated. ^{1, 2}

Distemper is shed in all body secretions of acutely infected animals and can be spread by both direct contact and via respiratory droplets. Isolation of both clinically ill and unvaccinated exposed dogs requires designated airspace and is crucial to preventing spread. The virus is fragile in the environment and readily killed with most cleaning agents but can survive at least several hours. Staff handling affected animals should wear appropriate PPE and practice proper hygiene protocols. Detailed isolation and clearance protocols are available online. ¹

There is no specific treatment or cure for Distemper virus. Treatment is generally supportive in nature and may include IV fluid therapy, anti-emetics, nutritional support, antibiotics for secondary infections, and anti-convulsant medications. ^{1, 2}

Vaccination is highly effective in preventing disease and is considered core for all puppies and dogs worldwide. Initial vaccination should be administered at 6 to 8 weeks of age and repeated every 2 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks of age, followed by a 1-year booster and then boosters every 3 years. ³

In Remembrance of Ihor Basko

February 13, 1947 – February 14, 2026

lhor Basko, DVM, beloved veterinarian and longtime member of the Kauai community passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, at the age of 79.

He is survived by his devoted wife and partner of 45 years, Jane Winter-Basko, whose life and work were closely intertwined with his through decades of shared purpose and compassion for animals and their community. He is also survived by his niece, Alona Dakhnenko of Ukraine, his only living family member.

Dr. Basko was born on February 13, 1947, in Aschaffenburg, Germany, the son of Dmytro Basko and Luba (Sawka) Basko. He later moved to the United States, where he pursued his lifelong calling in veterinary medicine.

After completing his veterinary education, Dr. Basko dedicated his career to compassionate and integrative animal care and eventually made Kauai his home. Over decades of practice, he became widely respected for combining traditional veterinary medicine with acupuncture, herbal therapies, and nutrition-based healing approaches, helping thousands of animals locally and internationally.

His Kapahi practice was known for its peaceful outdoor setting designed to keep animals calm and comfortable. In addition to clinical work, Dr. Basko educated pet owners through consultations, teaching, and his longtime radio program, “Pets and People in Paradise.” His book, Fresh Food & Ancient Wisdom, reflected his belief in nutrition and holistic care as foundations for animal health.

Known for his quiet kindness, humility, and deep attentiveness, Dr. Basko approached every animal with patience and respect. Clients and colleagues remember him not only as an exceptional veterinarian but as a mentor, teacher, and compassionate friend whose influence extended far beyond his clinic.

Dr. Ihor Basko passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love, the morning after celebrating his birthday on Friday the 13th — his favorite day of the year. We are deeply grateful that he was able to spend that special day in joy before his peaceful transition.

Dr. B was more than a doctor; he was a truly kind, generous, and giving soul. Everyone who met him experienced his remarkable knowledge, his gentle compassion, and the sincere care he brought to every interaction. He did not simply practice medicine — he lived it, with heart.

His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and healed. It lives in his passion for Chinese herbs, in the comfort of his home-cooked recipes, and in the deep respect and care he showed for the human–animal bond. He taught us that healing is not just treatment, but presence, intention, and love.

Thank you for being part of his extended family and for the love you have shown him throughout the years.

With love and gratitude

Dr.Basko’s Team
Staff@drbasko.com
All Creatures Great & Small
(808) 822-4229
https://www.drbasko.com/
https://www.drbasko.com/consultations/

AVMA News – January 2026

Greetings from your AVMA delegates! We recently returned from the January House of Delegates meeting in Chicago, where we reviewed and approved several small updates to the AVMA Bylaws.

We also spent time discussing two resolutions. The first focused on the importance of early socialization and training in animals. While there was broad support for the intent, it was noted that the language was written broadly enough to include wildlife, zoo animals, and other species for which human socialization may not be appropriate. Because of this, the resolution was referred back to the AVMA Board of Directors for refinement, and we expect a revised version—with clearer species-specific guidance—to return to the House in the future.

The second resolution addressed castration in camelid species, an area where the AVMA had not previously had a formal policy. Although policies already exist for other small ruminants and pigs, this prompted an important discussion about anesthesia and pain management. Your Hawaii delegates proposed strengthening the language to strongly recommend anesthesia and pain management for camelid castration. While this amendment did not pass—largely due to concerns about keeping wording consistent across species—we continue to stand behind the recommendation. Camelids are typically castrated later in life, often between 18 and 24 months of age, which raises additional animal welfare considerations. Our plan is to return this summer with a proposal to strengthen the language across all applicable species, improving consistency while still allowing veterinarians appropriate clinical discretion.

We also had two topics for the Veterinary Information Forum. One focused on educational standards for veterinary technicians; no formal action was taken at this time. The second addressed the role of allied organizations within the House of Delegates. In addition to state delegations, the House includes representatives from allied veterinary organizations that bring valuable expertise from specialized areas of practice. These voices are especially important when we’re discussing niche topics, like the aforementioned camelid medicine. There is some concern that changes in membership numbers could affect continued representation for certain groups, so a task force has been created to explore ways to ensure these perspectives remain part of the conversation. The National Association of Federal Veterinarians has been particularly engaged in this discussion, as federal veterinary positions may be impacted by ongoing workforce reductions.

Our next House of Delegates meeting will take place July 9–10, 2026, in Anaheim, California, alongside the AVMA Annual Convention. We’re hoping to bring forward our proposed resolutions at that time. Before then, we’ll be reaching out through a future newsletter to gather your input—so please keep an eye out. If you have experience or insights you’d like to share, we would truly welcome your involvement.

As always, thank you for allowing us to represent Hawaii and keep you connected to what’s happening at the national level.

Carolyn Naun, DVM
AVMA Hawaii Delegate
cnaun@armsofaloha.com

Jenee Odani, DVM, DACVP
AVMA Hawaii Alternate Delegate

Pet Dogs

Pet Birds

Pet Cats

Animal Disease

Animal Movement

February 13, 1947 – February 14, 2026