Texas Declares Disaster Over New World Screwworm Threat

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration over the threat of the New World Screwworm, a deadly parasite that has been rapidly spreading north from Central America towards the Texas border. The screwworm, which lays its eggs in open wounds of warm-blooded animals, could devastate the state's livestock industry if it crosses into Texas. State officials have been taking steps to prepare for a potential outbreak, including releasing sterile flies and setting up surveillance traps, but warn that the parasite is now less than 200 miles from the border.

Why it matters

An outbreak of the New World Screwworm in Texas would be catastrophic for the state's livestock industry, which is a major driver of the economy. The parasite can quickly kill infected animals if left untreated, posing a serious threat to ranchers and farmers. The disaster declaration will allow state agencies to respond quickly and coordinate a comprehensive plan to try to prevent the screwworm from crossing into Texas.

The details

The New World Screwworm is a fly that lays its eggs in the open wounds of warm-blooded animals. The larvae then burrow into the animal's flesh and feed on it, which can kill the animal if left untreated. In recent years, the parasite has been making a resurgence in Central America and is now less than 200 miles from the Texas border, having traveled nearly 1,000 miles in less than a year. Texas officials have been releasing sterile flies in southern Mexico in an attempt to control the outbreak, but the population remains static. They have also set up surveillance traps along the Rio Grande and at cruise ship terminals to monitor for any signs of the screwworm crossing into the state.

• In recent years, the New World Screwworm has been making a resurgence in Central America.
• As of last year, the screwworms were still over 1,000 miles south of the Texas border.
• In the past year, the parasitic flies have traveled nearly 1,000 miles, and are now less than 200 miles from the Texas border.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The New World Screwworm response team established by Governor Abbott in June has been preparing a coordinated plan and playbook for how state agencies will respond if the parasite crosses into Texas. If an outbreak occurs, ranchers and pet owners will be urged to closely monitor their animals for any signs of infestation and report any suspected cases to the Texas Department of Agriculture.