Governor Greg Abbott has been briefing Texans on the state’s actions in combatting the spread of New World Screwworm (NWS) and issued a disaster declaration Friday, June 5 in Zavala and Uvalde counties following the detection of the parasite there.
The NWS is not a worm. It is a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into and feed on the living flesh of warm-blooded animals, particularly livestock, wildlife, pets, and, in rare cases, humans. If left untreated, it can cause serious injury or death.
“I am issuing an updated statewide disaster declaration to make two things very clear,” said Governor Abbott Friday. “First, I authorize the use of all available resources of state government to respond to this disaster and reassign resources from across the state as needed to address NWS. Second, I am making all state personnel available to accelerate the movement of sterile flies into Texas and the construction of the new sterile screwworm production facility in Edinburg. We have eradicated this pest before, and we will do it again.”
On Monday, June 8, Gov. Abbott joined U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and federal and state partners at the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville to update the public about the state’s response.
“Sterile flies are the wellestablished solution to the spread of the New World screwworm,” said Gov. Abbott. “The USDA is importing and dispersing those flies across South Texas and will recalibrate to deploy those sterile flies wherever needed. Texas is resilient. It is critical to stay vigilant and stay informed.”
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller echoed those assertions in his own announcement June 8, responding to cases in Gillespie and Andrews Counties (in Central and West Texas) as well as the first confirmed case in New Mexico while warning that the pest’s continued march into Texas demands immediate action from federal officials.
Miller also stated he is pushing for USDA to implement SWASS (Screwworm Adult Suppression System, using bait to kill fertile NWS flies before they reproduce). emphasizing its efficacy. “SWASS helped eradicate screwworm from the United States once before, and it can help stop this outbreak before it reaches even deeper into Texas,” Miller said.
Gov. Abbott’s office reported the state is wellsituated to handle the threat thanks to gubernatorial action including directing state agencies to establish the joint Texas New World screwworm Response Team, which brought together livestock producers, veterinarians, wildlife experts, and federal partners to prepare in advance.
Gov. Abbott urged Texans, especially ranchers and livestock owners, to remain vigilant by checking animals daily, treating wounds promptly, and taking steps to reduce fly populations. The Governor emphasized that early detection and treatment is critical to preventing the spread of NWS.
Texans are urged to report any suspected NWS cases in livestock to the TAHC at 1-800-550-8242 and report suspected wildlife cases to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) at (512) 389-4505.
Texans can access the latest updates and resources online through the TAHC (tahc. texas.gov), TPWD (tpwd. texas.gov), and United States Department of Agriculture (screwworm.gov).