Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the expansion of a state-run online resource dedicated to helping Texans respond to the growing threat posed by the New World screwworm (NWS). The new website, screwworm.texas.gov, is housed within the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s Disaster Portal and is designed to serve as a centralized source of information, educational materials, and reporting resources.
The website consolidates content from multiple state agency partners involved in the response effort, providing livestock producers, veterinarians, wildlife managers, and the general public with access to the latest information about the pest and ongoing containment efforts.
Understanding the New World Screwworm
The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Adult flies lay eggs in open wounds or natural body openings, and once the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into flesh, causing serious injury and potentially fatal infestations if left untreated.
According to state officials, 11 confirmed cases of New World screwworm infestations have been reported in Texas as of Friday, raising concerns about the impact on livestock, wildlife, and rural communities.
New Resources Available for Texans
The newly expanded portal offers a wide range of tools and educational materials aimed at improving awareness and early detection. Resources include fact sheets, instructional videos, identification guides, sample collection instructions, and best-practice recommendations for livestock and wildlife management.
Users can also access New World screwworm zone maps maintained by the Texas Animal Health Commission, view the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s case dashboard, and find information on a no-cost New World screwworm Certified Inspector Training course.
State officials say the goal is to provide Texans with reliable information that can help identify infestations quickly and ensure prompt reporting to authorities.
State and Federal Agencies Continue Response Efforts
Texas and federal agencies are continuing coordinated efforts to detect, control, and contain the spread of the pest. Public outreach and education remain a major component of the response strategy.
In recent months, Abbott directed the creation of a joint Texas New World Screwworm Response Team that includes state agencies, livestock producers, veterinarians, wildlife experts, and federal partners. The governor also joined U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins in announcing a $750 million investment in a sterile fly production facility in Edinburg, a key component of long-term eradication efforts.
Additional actions have included issuing a statewide disaster declaration ahead of the first confirmed detections, activating the State Emergency Operations Center after cases were identified in Texas, and participating in briefings with federal officials and researchers at the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville.
The state has also launched free online certification training for inspectors and secured federal funding to expand inspection capacity.
How to Report Suspected Cases
Officials are encouraging Texans to routinely inspect livestock, pets, and wildlife for unusual wounds or signs of infestation. Suspected cases involving livestock or pets should be reported to the Texas Animal Health Commission’s 24-hour veterinarian call line at 1-800-550-8242. Wildlife-related cases can be reported to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s 24-hour biologists’ call line at 512-389-4505.
Authorities advise owners not to move animals suspected of being infected, as doing so could increase the risk of spreading the pest.
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