Texas Deploys Sterile Flies to Counter New World Screwworm Threat

Governor Greg Abbott, alongside U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and state officials, briefed on Texas' response to a second New World screwworm case in cattle. The USDA is importing and releasing sterile flies across South Texas and plans a new production facility in Edinburg to curb the parasite.

The governor announced a statewide disaster declaration, activated the Texas State Emergency Operations Center to Level II, and created a joint Texas New World Screwworm Response Team involving livestock producers, veterinarians, wildlife experts and federal partners. Ranchers were urged to monitor animals daily, treat wounds promptly and report suspected cases to the Texas Animal Health Commission or the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.