After the U.S.Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed the presence of a parasitic pest in South Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott declared a statewide disaster.
On June 3, the USDA confirmed the detection of a New World screwworm (NWS) in the umbilical cord area of a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County.
The New World screwworm is a serious larvae from the screwworm fly that affects livestock, pets, wildlife, and in rare cases, humans and birds. The pest is typically found in parts of South America, as well as Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
Female screwworm flies will lay their eggs in “open wounds or body openings of living, warm-blooded animals and humans.” After hatching, the larvae feed on the animal’s flesh causing severe wounds, tissue damage, and can result in death if left untreated.
Following the detection, Abbott issued a proclamation declaring a state of disaster in all 254 Texas counties.
“I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby certify that the spread of NWS northward from Mexico into Texas threatens Texas’ wildlife and livestock industry and economy and poses an imminent threat or occurrence of widespread and severe property damage, and pursuant to Section 418.014, Texas Government Code, do hereby declare a state of disaster for all Texas counties,” the proclamation states.
Federal and state officials are taking immediate steps to contain and eradicate the pest. The USDA and the Texas Animal Health Commission have formed a unified Incident Command Team , established a 20-kilometer infested zone around the detection site, and implemented quarantines. Officials are also increasing trapping efforts for screwworm flies along the border, and conducting targeted outreach in the affected area.
“The protection of our ranchers, livestock producers, deer breeders, and the Texas economy from this pest is a top priority,” Abbott said in a statement. “We have eradicated this pest before, and we will do it again in close cooperation with our federal partners.”
Following Abbott’s declaration, a second case has been confirmed in Zavala County in a one-month-old calf about six miles away from the first reported case.
Texas residents who suspect a case in livestock should contact their regional Texas Animal Health Commission office or the state veterinarian on call at 1-800-550-8242.
To report a suspected case in Texas wildlife, residents should contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife.
