Screwworms aren’t a problem in Texas yet, but they have been in the past.
AUSTIN, Texas — Screwworms aren’t a problem in Texas yet, and Gov. Greg Abbott is taking steps to make sure it stays that way.
Gov. Abbott directed the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to join forces to take on New World screwworms, according to a press release posted Wednesday.
New World screwworms are parasitic pests that are a threat to the U.S. cattle industry.
The new alliance will be called the Texas New World Screwworm Response Team and will be responsible for sharing info about screwworms with the public and key stakeholders. They’ll also be the ones who handle the state’s preparedness and response.
“Texas played a critical role in eradicating this pest from the United States in the 1960s and will do so again if the need arises,” Abbott said in his directive. “We stand ready to protect our land, livestock and wildlife.”
“Texans can be assured that staff have been actively preparing and training for a possible New World screwworm response for over a year,” said Dr. Lewis R. “Bud” Dinges, TAHC executive director and state veterinarian, in a news release. “While we hope we don’t have to deal with the pest on our soil, joint efforts to mitigate damage and protect all commodities from NWS are ongoing and will be bolstered by this well-rounded team.”
This isn’t the first time the two agencies have worked together. They’ve worked together for decades on disease management efforts with livestock and wildlife in Texas, according to TPWD.
What are New World screwworms?
The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae infest and feed on warm-blooded animals, including livestock, wildlife, and, in rare cases, humans. Left untreated, infestations can be fatal. The USDA recently halted live animal imports at the southern border due to growing outbreaks in Mexico.
Congress pushing to stop screwworms
A bipartisan group of lawmakers led by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn has introduced legislation in May, aimed at stopping the spread of the New World screwworm.
According to a release, the Strengthening Tactics to Obstruct the Population of Screwworms (STOP Screwworms) Act would authorize federal funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to build a new sterile fly production facility. The goal: curb the growing population of screwworms making their way toward the U.S. southern border.
The Trump administration suspended imports of Mexican beef cattle earlier this year due to the detection of screwworm in shipments.
What to look for in animals
According to the USDA, the name screwworm refers to the maggots’ feeding behavior as they burrow (screw) into wounds, feeding as they go like a screw being driven into wood.
Maggots cause extensive damage by tearing at tissue with sharp mouth hooks. Wounds can deepen as more maggots hatch and feed on living tissue. In many cases, the damage can be fatal.
Adult screwworm flies are slightly larger than common houseflies, with orange eyes, metallic blue or green bodies, and three dark stripes along their backs.
The USDA urges people to report mammals and birds showing the following signs:
- Irritated behavior
- Head shaking
- Smell of decay
- Fly strike (visible larvae or maggots in wounds)
STOP Screwworms Act gains support
The STOP Screwworms Act has garnered support from several agricultural organizations, including:
- American Farm Bureau Federation
- Texas Farm Bureau
- Texas Cattle Feeders Association
- Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
- South Texans’ Property Rights Association
If passed, the bill would mark a major step in safeguarding U.S. livestock from a pest resurgence that could carry devastating economic consequences.