Texas New World Screwworm Outbreak Triggers State Website and Shelter Safeguards

Governor Greg Abbott announced the launch of a dedicated website, screwworm.texas.gov, to give Texans—producers, veterinarians and the public—access to facts, maps, identification guides and a free Certified Inspector Training program for the New World screwworm. The portal consolidates resources from the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Texas Animal Health Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Abbott also declared a disaster, activated the state emergency operations center and supported a $750 million federal investment in a sterile‑fly production facility in Edinburg. Thirteen counties have been placed under quarantine, prohibiting the movement of warm‑blooded animals without Texas Animal Health Commission approval.

Animal shelters and rescues across Texas are tightening protocols in response. Staff are increasing wound inspections, using monthly parasite preventatives that contain isoxazoline to kill maggots, and employing natural insecticides. The SPCA of Texas and the Austin Farm Sanctuary have stepped up monitoring and record‑keeping. Interstate bans from Pennsylvania, New York and Florida on importing warm‑blooded animals from the quarantined areas add further pressure on shelter placement and animal transport.