LUBBOCK, TX – Texas is expanding New World screwworm inspection capacity to help keep livestock moving while the state responds to confirmed cases. Governor Greg Abbott announced a free online training course through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service on June 13.
The four-hour course is available through the AgriLife Learn platform. It covers screwworm biology, surveillance, reporting, animal inspection, treatment protocols, agency roles, and movement permit requirements.
Qualified participants who pass the final exam may apply to become Texas Animal Health Commission-certified inspectors. Those inspectors can issue official treatment and movement certificates for livestock leaving infested zones.
Initial eligibility includes veterinarians, veterinary technicians, AgriLife Extension agents, livestock deputies, animal control officers, state inspectors, and designated personnel at temporary livestock aggregation points. The course is also open to the public.
Officials say the screwworm is not contagious, does not spread from animal to animal like a virus, and is not a food safety issue.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Texas livestock producers should use the training and report suspicious wounds quickly to protect animal movement.