Governor Greg Abbott is stepping up efforts in Texas to stop a dangerous invasive fly known as the New World screwworm. This fly is a serious threat to livestock and wildlife because it lays its larvae in the wounds of warm-blooded animals. The larvae, or maggots, then burrow into the flesh, causing harmful and sometimes deadly damage.
To fight this pest, Abbott has ordered the creation of a Screwworm Response Team made up of experts from the Texas Animal Health Commission and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The team’s job is to share information and work with people who might be affected, like ranchers, landowners, wildlife managers, and researchers. The goal is to keep Texas informed and prepared to prevent the screwworm from spreading.
The screwworm was wiped out of the U.S. in the 1960s but began moving north from Mexico in 2022. Because it has now entered Mexico, there’s concern it could reach Texas soon. In response, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has stopped live animal imports from Mexico to protect Texas’ huge cattle industry. The USDA is also investing $21 million in a Mexican facility that produces sterile male flies, which help reduce the screwworm population by mating with females and producing eggs that won’t hatch.
Meanwhile, Texas is getting its own support. Last week, the USDA opened an $8.5 million facility in Edinburg, Texas, to release these sterile flies where they’re needed most. This facility is part of a five-part USDA plan to stop the screwworm from spreading, provide treatment if needed, and find new ways to get rid of it.
Officials in Texas say they have been training and preparing for this possibility for over a year. Dr. Lewis R. “Bud” Dinges, head of the Animal Health Commission, says while they hope the screwworm doesn’t reach Texas, they are ready to act quickly to protect animals and the state’s livestock industry.
In addition to state efforts, members of Texas’ congressional delegation are pushing legislation to fight this threat. Congressman Monica De La Cruz has introduced a bill for a USDA study on screwworm control methods. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, along with New Mexico Senator Ben Ray Luján, have filed bills to fund sterile fly production facilities. Congressman Tony Gonzales has introduced a similar bill in the House.
Senator Cornyn praised the formation of the statewide screwworm response team and pledged to work in Washington to boost sterile fly production. Governor Abbott’s leadership has helped bring together resources and expertise to protect Texas’s agriculture from this pest.
With coordinated efforts from state and federal agencies, along with help from landowners and livestock producers, Texas is preparing to respond fast to this threat and keep its animals safe.