Tensions are escalating among Texas officials over how to respond to the reemergence of the New World screwworm (NWS), a destructive livestock parasite that was eradicated from the United States more than 50 years ago.
The debate intensified after four confirmed NWS cases were reported in Texas, including two newly announced infections on Monday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The latest cases involve a calf in La Salle County and a dog in Andrews County. Two earlier cases were identified in calves in Zavala County, with the second located roughly 5.6 miles from the initial detection.
The growing threat has sparked political disagreement over the adequacy of state and federal responses.
On Sunday, State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin and the Democratic nominee for governor, formally requested a public hearing before the Texas House Agriculture & Livestock Committee.
“Texans deserve answers,” Hinojosa wrote in a social media post accompanying a letter to Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows.
In the letter, Hinojosa acknowledged that her request was unusual because she is not a member of the committee. However, she said concerns about the parasite are widespread.
“I know this is an unorthodox request because I am not a member of the committee, but traveling the state, and in the district I represent, I am hearing real concerns about food security,” she wrote.
“Agriculture is foundational to the identity of our state,” she added.
The request comes as state leaders ramp up emergency measures. Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statewide disaster declaration on Friday, citing the threat NWS poses to livestock, wildlife, and Texas’ economy. On Monday, Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate the State Emergency Operations Center at Level II, signaling an escalated response.
Burrows pushed back on suggestions that lawmakers were not addressing the issue. In a response posted on X, he said he had been coordinating with Abbott, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, legislative committees, industry leaders, and wildlife organizations.
“I have been working with Governor Greg Abbott, Secretary Brooke Rollins, Commissioner Sid Miller, the House Agriculture & Livestock Committee, the House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee, the cattle industry, and wildlife groups to help make every tool available to address the New World Screwworm,” Burrows wrote.
He also noted that NWS monitoring and response planning were included among interim legislative priorities and that hearings had already been conducted.
Meanwhile, Miller renewed criticism of the USDA’s strategy. He advocated for broader use of the Screwworm Adult Suppression System (SWASS), a technology that combines attractants, bait, and targeted insecticides to reduce adult screwworm populations.
In a direct appeal to President Donald Trump, Miller wrote, “Mr. President, I am asking you to take direct control of this response. Cut through the bureaucracy, deploy SWASS immediately, and throw every available federal resource at this threat before it becomes a full-blown agricultural disaster.”
Hinojosa later cited Miller’s criticism in defending her request for a hearing.
“Texans have legitimate questions and NOW THAT THE SCREW WORM IS HERE, why not a public hearing? What is there to hide?” she wrote.
As officials continue to debate strategy, federal and international responses are also expanding. Trump recently appointed Texas A&M University Board of Regents member John Bellinger as Senior Advisor for New World Screwworm Preparedness, while Canada temporarily suspended livestock imports from Texas, citing concerns about preventing the parasite’s spread.
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