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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed three additional cases of the New World screwworm in Texas, raising the total number of cases to five. This alarming development poses a significant risk to the state’s livestock industry, particularly cattle, which forms a cornerstone of Texas agriculture.
The first new case is located in Andrews County, nearly 400 miles north of Zavala County, where the initial case was identified last week. This geographical spread highlights the potential for rapid infestation across the region.
In La Salle County, about 80 miles northwest of Zavala, a calf has been confirmed infected. Meanwhile, in Andrews County, a veterinarian reported an infested dog, marking the first screwworm case in New Mexico. The dog, which is not local to Andrews, was found to have traveled from a household in Lea County, New Mexico, raising concerns about the movement of infested animals across state lines.
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is currently investigating the dog’s travel and exposure history. In addition, they are inspecting other animals in the household to assess the extent of the infestation.
The third new case involves a goat from Gillespie County, located approximately 170 miles north of Zavala County. These findings underscore the urgent need for vigilance among livestock owners throughout the region.
The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly that infests living mammals, particularly cattle, causing severe economic ramifications for the agricultural sector. Experts estimate that if the screwworm is not contained, it could cost Texas’s cattle industry upwards of $1.8 billion.
Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs with the USDA, emphasized the importance of community involvement in combating this threat. He urged animal owners to remain vigilant and report any suspicious symptoms in their livestock. “We need the partnership of animal owners across the region,” Hoskins stated. “Together, we can protect our livestock, our communities, and the health of animals nationwide.”
In a related development, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the appointment of John Bellinger, a member of the Texas A&M University Board of Regents, as the new senior adviser for New World screwworm preparedness. Bellinger is expected to explore various technologies to combat the screwworm threat, drawing on his experience and expertise in agricultural research.
Rollins and Texas Governor Greg Abbott are scheduled to hold a news conference later today to provide updates on the situation and discuss further measures to address this urgent agricultural crisis.
This story is developing, and further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
