Texas Governor Declares Disaster to Stop New World Screwworm Invasion

Pest poses major threat to cattle, pets, and humans, say state officials

Feb. 5, 2026 at 11:07pm

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Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration to prevent the new world screwworm from entering Texas. The pest, which eats living flesh, has been detected in at least eight cases in Mexico and poses a major threat to the state's cattle industry, which could see losses of up to $2.1 billion if the screwworm spreads. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says the disaster declaration will allow the state to quickly order testing kits for all farmers, rather than having to go through a lengthy procurement process.

Why it matters

The new world screwworm is an extremely destructive pest that can infect livestock, pets, and even humans. An outbreak in Texas could be devastating for the state's cattle industry, which is a major economic driver. The disaster declaration allows the state to take proactive measures to detect and eradicate the pest before it can gain a foothold.

The details

The new world screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae eat the living flesh of their hosts. At least eight cases have been detected in Mexico, prompting concerns that the pest could spread into Texas. The Texas Department of Agriculture has already deployed surveillance traps along the border to monitor for any incursions. U.S. Senator John Cornyn warns that an outbreak could cost the Texas cattle industry $2.1 billion, as the price of beef would continue to rise.

  • On February 5, 2026, Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration to prevent the new world screwworm from entering Texas.
  • At least eight cases of the screwworm have been found in Mexico as of early February 2026.

The players

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas who issued the disaster declaration to stop the new world screwworm from spreading into the state.

Sid Miller

The Texas Agriculture Commissioner who says the screwworm pest is a major threat to cattle, pets, and humans, and that the disaster declaration will allow the state to quickly order testing kits for all farmers.

John Cornyn

A U.S. Senator from Texas who warns that an outbreak of the new world screwworm could cost the state's cattle industry $2.1 billion.

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What they’re saying

“The screwworm flies eat living flesh. It eats you alive basically.”

— Sid Miller, Texas Agriculture Commissioner (news4sanantonio.com)

“If the new world screwworm spreads to Texas infecting cattle and killing livestock, the already high price of beef will continue to increase.”

— John Cornyn, U.S. Senator (news4sanantonio.com)

What’s next

The Texas Department of Agriculture has been deploying surveillance traps along the border to monitor for any incursions of the new world screwworm. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is also creating a sterile fly production facility in South Texas to help eradicate the parasite.

The takeaway

This disaster declaration highlights the serious threat that the new world screwworm poses to Texas' vital cattle industry. By taking proactive measures to detect and eradicate the pest, state officials hope to prevent a potentially devastating outbreak that could drive up beef prices and cause billions in economic losses.