KERRVILLE, TX – New World screwworm cases are expanding beyond the first detection in Zavala County, prompting a larger livestock response from Texas and the USDA. Officials say confirmed cases now include multiple Texas animals and one case tied to New Mexico.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins updated producers on Monday at the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory. The response includes quarantine zones, movement controls, expanded trapping, wildlife surveillance, and sterile fly releases.
USDA is dispersing sterile flies across affected areas and recalibrating release zones as detections change. Texas has also activated its emergency response structure and is coordinating reports through state animal health and wildlife agencies.
For ranchers, the immediate job is daily inspection. Producers should watch for draining wounds, maggots, foul odor, or discomfort, especially around newborn animals’ navels.
Officials say the food supply remains safe, and screwworm is not spread animal-to-animal like a virus. Quick reporting will determine how fast the outbreak can be contained.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Livestock producers should inspect animals daily, report any suspicious wounds immediately, and comply with local movement restrictions.