Texas: Governor Abbott, Secretary Rollins Update Texans On Screwworm Response At Kerrville Lab

~ Governor Greg Abbott, along with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and other federal and state partners, gathered at the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory for a briefing on Texas' ongoing response to the New World screwworm threat.

During the briefing, Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of sterile flies in preventing the spread of the New World screwworm. He stated that the USDA is importing and dispersing these flies across South Texas and will adjust their distribution as needed. The Governor also praised Texas' resilience and urged citizens to remain vigilant and informed.

Joining Governor Abbott and Secretary Rollins were Michael Schmoyer, Director of the New World screwworm Directorate for USDA, Under Secretary Scott Hutchins, Executive Director of Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) Dr. Lewis R. "Bud" Dinges, and other state and federal officials.

Governor Abbott highlighted the coordinated efforts between state and federal agencies to combat the New World screwworm in Texas. The USDA is currently deploying sterile flies in infected areas and working towards establishing a new production facility in Edinburg.

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The Governor has taken several actions to address this threat, including directing state agencies to establish a joint response team comprised of livestock producers, veterinarians, wildlife experts, and federal partners. He also issued a statewide disaster declaration before any cases were detected to mobilize resources for prevention and response efforts.

Furthermore, Governor Abbott declared a disaster in Uvalde and Zavala counties to prioritize resources in those areas. He also directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate the State Emergency Operations Center at Level II (Escalated Response) to support the state's response efforts.

In his address, Governor Abbott urged Texans, particularly ranchers and livestock owners, to remain vigilant by checking animals daily, treating wounds promptly, and reducing fly populations. He stressed that early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing the spread of New World screwworm.

Citizens are encouraged to report any suspected cases of New World screwworm in livestock to the TAHC at 1-800-550-8242 and suspected wildlife cases to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at (512) 389-4505. The latest updates and resources can be accessed online through TAHC (tahc.texas.gov), TPWD (tpwd.texas.gov), and the United States Department of Agriculture (screwworm.gov).

As the briefing concluded, Governor Abbott assured Texans that the state is taking all necessary measures to combat the New World screwworm threat. Additional photos from the press conference will be made available online.

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