Texas is taking proactive steps to protect its livestock, wildlife, and agricultural economy from a dangerous parasite that threatens to spread northward from Mexico.
Governor Greg Abbott has issued a statewide disaster declaration to strengthen prevention efforts against the New World Screwworm (NWS) fly, a destructive pest that poses a serious risk to animals and property if it reaches Texas.
Although the New World screwworm fly is , officials warn that its gradual movement north from Mexico places Texas at the front line of potential exposure. The parasite is especially dangerous to livestock and wildlife, as screwworm larvae infest open wounds, causing severe injury and often death if left untreated.
“State law authorizes me to act to prevent a threat of infestation that could cause severe damage to Texas property,” Governor Abbott said. “I will not wait for such harm to reach our livestock and wildlife.”
What Is the New World Screwworm?
The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Unlike most flies that target decaying matter, screwworms infest healthy tissue, making them especially deadly to cattle, sheep, deer, and other wildlife. Past outbreaks in the mid-20th century caused billions of dollars in agricultural losses before eradication efforts succeeded.
Why the Disaster Declaration Matters
The disaster declaration allows Texas to mobilize state resources immediately, ensuring rapid response if a threat is detected. It also improves coordination between state and federal agencies and enables faster deployment of personnel, surveillance, and eradication tools.
As part of these preventative measures, Governor Abbott has:
- Directed the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Animal Health Commission to form a joint Texas New World Screwworm Response Team
- Partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Secretary Brooke Rollins to establish a $750 million Domestic Sterile New World Screwworm Production Facility in Edinburg, Texas
The sterile fly program is a proven method used in previous eradication efforts. By releasing sterile male flies into the environment, the screwworm population is unable to reproduce, effectively collapsing the infestation before it spreads.
What This Means for Texans
For ranchers, farmers, hunters, and wildlife officials, this declaration is a sign that Texas is acting early rather than reacting late. Preventing the screwworm’s return protects:
- Livestock health and agricultural livelihoods
- Wildlife populations
- The Texas economy
- Rural communities dependent on agriculture
Governor Abbott emphasized that Texas is prepared to fully eradicate the pest if necessary, reaffirming the state’s commitment to protecting its natural and economic resources.
Bottom Line
This disaster declaration is not a response to an existing outbreak—but a strategic, preventative move to stop a serious threat before it reaches Texas soil. By acting now, state leaders aim to avoid the devastating impacts seen in past screwworm infestations and ensure Texas remains protected.