Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is calling for immediate federal action following the first suspected case of New World screwworm (NWS) in Texas, warning that the pest poses a serious threat to the state’s livestock industry, wildlife, and agricultural economy.
In a statement released Tuesday, Miller criticized the response efforts of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), arguing that current strategies have failed to stop the northward movement of the destructive parasite through Mexico and into Texas.
According to Miller, USDA has relied heavily on the release of sterile flies to combat the screwworm population. While billions of sterile flies have been dispersed, he said the pest has still advanced more than 1,100 miles from southern Mexico to Texas.
“For months, the screwworm has advanced rapidly through Mexico in spite of the USDA’s existing gameplan,” Miller said. “Now that it appears the first screwworm has arrived in Texas, the consequences of that decision are staring us in the face.”
Miller is urging President Donald Trump to direct USDA to immediately deploy the Screwworm Adult Suppression System (SWASS), a technology developed by USDA scientists and previously used during successful screwworm eradication efforts in both Texas and Mexico.
SWASS uses attractants, bait, and EPA-approved insecticides to reduce adult screwworm populations. The strategy works alongside sterile fly releases, helping suppress infestations more quickly and effectively. Miller said the Texas Department of Agriculture has been prepared for more than a year to expedite approval for SWASS use within the state.
“SWASS was developed by USDA, tested by USDA, and successfully deployed by USDA to eradicate screwworm in Mexico and Texas when it last appeared,” Miller said. “USDA already owns the playbook; the only question is whether USDA will use it before this situation gets worse.”
The commissioner said he has personally provided research and technical information regarding SWASS to USDA leadership on multiple occasions, but believes federal officials have been too slow to expand their response.
Miller is calling on the Trump Administration to take several immediate actions, including authorizing a comprehensive SWASS deployment program across South Texas and along the U.S.-Mexico border, creating a joint U.S.-Mexico task force to coordinate suppression efforts, increasing production and distribution of SWASS pellets, expanding surveillance and inspection efforts, and accelerating sterile fly production capacity.
He also urged the federal government to declare New World screwworm a national agricultural emergency.
The New World screwworm is considered one of the most damaging livestock pests in history. Unlike common flies, screwworm larvae infest open wounds and feed on the living flesh of warm-blooded animals. Untreated infestations can cause severe injury, infection, and even death.
Agricultural officials warn that a widespread outbreak could have devastating consequences for Texas ranchers, wildlife populations, pets, and the broader agricultural economy.
Texas livestock producers and pet owners are being encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious wounds or signs of screwworm infestation to their veterinarian, the Texas Animal Health Commission, USDA officials, or the Texas Department of Agriculture by calling 800-TELL-TDA.
The suspected Texas case is expected to receive additional investigation and testing as state and federal officials work to determine the extent of the threat and implement appropriate response measures.