Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Declares Statewide Disaster Over Screwworm Outbreak in Cattle

Governor Greg Abbott declared a statewide disaster after the New World screwworm parasite was found in two newborn calves in Zavala County, South Texas. The U.S. Department of Agriculture deployed a strike team and imposed movement restrictions on cattle to contain the pest. State officials emphasized that the fly poses no direct risk to humans, but a larger infestation could raise already high beef prices. Federal efforts to eradicate the pest rely on sterile male flies; a $750 million production facility slated for completion in November 2027 will supplement current output, which currently meets only about 40 % of the needed capacity using sources in Panama and Mexico.

Separately, ERCOT forecasts record power demand of 92 GW this summer but says rolling blackouts remain unlikely. Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced her resignation effective July 17, and a coalition of immigration groups is petitioning the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reinstate the Texas Dream Act, which provides in‑state tuition to eligible non‑citizen students.