More New World screwworm cases confirmed in West Texas

Austin — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is sounding the alarm following confirmation of two New World screwworm (NWS) cases in Hudspeth County, TX, marking a troubling development in the ongoing battle to protect the state's livestock industry from one of the most destructive parasites in agriculture. On Oct. 24, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed four new cases of New World screwworm, including two cattle in Hudspeth County, one cow and one ram in Doña Ana County, NM.

“The New World screwworm threat has not gone away, not by a long shot,” Miller said. “These latest cases are a stark reminder that this parasite remains a clear and present danger to Texas livestock, the livelihoods of our ranchers, and our national food security. Just because the headlines have quieted down recently doesn't mean the threat has.”

New World screwworm is a devastating parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Infestations can cause severe injuries, secondary infections, and death if left untreated. Cattle, horses, sheep, goats, wildlife, pets, and even humans can be affected. 

"We cannot play defense forever. We've got to take the fight to the screwworm, and we've got to do it now," Miller said. "That means getting more sterile flies in the air, putting every available tool on the table, and making sure our ranchers have the resources they need to protect their animals."

The latest detections in West Texas and southern New Mexico reinforce the importance of continued coordination among federal, state, and local animal health officials. 

Miller is urging ranchers, livestock owners, veterinarians, and animal caretakers throughout Texas to remain vigilant, inspect animals regularly for wounds and signs of infestation, and immediately report suspicious cases to animal health authorities.

"Texas ranchers are some of the toughest, most resourceful people on earth, but they shouldn't have to fight this battle alone," Miller said. "The federal government needs to bring the full weight of its resources to bear, and Texas needs to stay on an aggressive path to eradication. Our cattle industry is too important, our rural communities have too much at stake, and our food supply is too valuable to gamble with."

SOURCE Texas Agriculture Commissioner