Texas: Governor Abbott Deploys State Resources To Combat New World Screwworm

~ Governor Greg Abbott has declared a disaster for Zavala and Uvalde Counties in response to the confirmation of a New World Screwworm (NWS) detection in Texas. The Governor also received a briefing on the state's response to this threat.

In a press conference, Governor Abbott stated, "I am issuing an updated statewide disaster declaration to make two things very clear. First, I authorize the use of all available resources of state government to respond to this disaster and reassign resources from across the state as needed to address NWS. Second, I am making all state personnel available to accelerate the movement of sterile flies into Texas and the construction of the new sterile screwworm production facility in Edinburg. We have eradicated this pest before, and we will do it again."

The Governor was joined by various officials including Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) Executive Director Dr. Lewis R. "Bud" Dinges, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Executive Director David Yoskowitz, Ph.D., and Director of the New World Screwworm Directorate for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rear Admiral Michael Schmoyer.

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The disaster declaration deploys all available state resources to respond to this threat and prioritizes resources to Uvalde and Zavala counties.

It is important to note that NWS is not a worm but a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into and feed on the living flesh of warm-blooded animals such as livestock, wildlife, pets, and in rare cases, humans. If left untreated, it can cause serious injury or death.

Thanks to Texas' early actions, the state was prepared to respond to this threat. The state is working closely with federal partners to execute a robust containment and eradication strategy.

Governor Abbott has also made all personnel from Texas' University Systems available to accelerate the movement of sterile flies into the state and speed up the construction of the federal government's NWS Sterile Fly production facility in Edinburg.

The Sterile Insect Technique, a proven eradication method, is being used by the federal government. Sterile male flies are being released to mate with wild females, producing non-viable eggs and collapsing the population naturally. The USDA is now importing and dispersing these flies in South Texas.

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Resources are available from TAHC at tahc.texas.gov/emergency/nws.html and USDA at screwworm.gov for producers, veterinarians, and the public.

Last year, Governor Abbott established the joint Texas New World Screwworm Response Team to bring together various experts and partners to prepare in advance. He also issued a statewide disaster declaration to mobilize resources and strengthen prevention and response efforts before any case was detected.

To protect Texas' livestock, wildlife, and pets, it is crucial for every Texan to be vigilant. Immediate actions that need to be taken include inspecting livestock, pets, and other animals daily for any wounds and treating them promptly. Suspected cases should be reported immediately to TAHC at 1-800-550-8242.

If any wildlife shows signs of infestation or unusual wounds, it should be reported immediately to TPWD or local TPWD wildlife biologist at (512) 389-4505. Outdoor pets with exposed or untreated wounds should also be closely monitored.

Texans are advised to follow all quarantine, identification, and animal movement requirements issued by TAHC. For the latest updates and resources on NWS, they can visit tahc.texas.gov, tpwd.texas.gov, or screwworm.gov.

In conclusion, Governor Abbott urges all Texans to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of NWS. By working together with state agencies and federal partners, Texas will overcome this threat once again.

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