Texas agriculture officials have issued an emergency quarantine order restricting the movement of livestock as more New World screwworm cases emerge across the state.
Over the past 30 days, federal and state agricultural officials have confirmed 27 New World screwworm cases in animals, including sheep, goats, cattle and one dog. The most recent case was confirmed June 27 in Crockett County, located in southwest Texas.
The spread stems from the first identified U.S. case on June 3 in a calf in Zavala County. Since then, more cases have continued to pop up in surrounding counties.
The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has issued quarantines across multiple counties, including Bandera, Coke, Crockett, Edwards, Gillespie, Jim Hogg, Kerr, Kimble, La Salle, Medina, Pecos, Schleicher, Starr, Sutton, Terrell, Tom Green, Uvalde, Val Verde, Webb, Zapata, Zavala.
Under the order, all warm-blooded animals within an infested zone may not be moved outside the zone without prior authorization from the TAHC.
The quarantines are intended to slow spread of the parasite, which poses a significant threat to livestock, exotic livestock, and wildlife.
Infestations begin when a female New World screwworm fly lays eggs in “open wounds or body openings of living, warm-blooded animals and humans.” After hatching, the larvae burrow into living tissue and feed on the animal’s flesh, causing severe wounds and tissue damage, that can become fatal if left untreated.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said the U.S. Department of Agriculture is once again using the sterile fly technique to eradicate the parasite.
“More than 50 years ago, USDA scientists pioneered the sterile fly technique that eradicated New World screwworm from the United States. Today, we’re putting that proven science back to work,” Rollins wrote on X. “We’ve partnered with Panama to expand sterile fly production, just opened a new sterile fly production facility in Mexico, and next year Moore Air Base in Texas will begin producing sterile flies here at home.”
“We’re using American innovation to protect our ranchers, our livestock, and eradicate New World screwworm once again,” added Rollins.
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 wildlife, residents should contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
