New screwworm portal aims to protect Texas livestock, wildlife and rural economy

AUSTIN – Texas officials are rolling out a new online hub aimed at helping residents spot and report the New World screwworm, a pest Gov. Greg Abbott says threatens livestock, wildlife, and the state’s rural economy.

Abbott announced the launch of screwworm.texas.gov, an enhanced website housed in the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s Disaster Portal that he described as a “one-stop shop” for information and resources tied to the state’s response.

The New World screwworm poses a direct threat to Texas livestock, wildlife, and our rural economy,” Abbott said. “This new website puts essential tools in the hands of our producers, veterinarians, and families. Screwworm.texas.gov delivers the facts, maps, identification methods, and certification resources Texans need to detect problems early and report cases without delay. Now every Texan has the information to act. Texas will protect our land, our animals, and our way of life from this pest.

According to the governor’s office, the site is designed to provide “actionable and reliable multimedia information” about the New World screwworm, including fact sheets, videos, and educational materials.

The portal includes background information, guidance on how to spot the pest, sample collection procedures, Texas Animal Health Commission New World screwworm zone maps, the U.S. Department of Agriculture case dashboard, links to best practices for livestock and wildlife, and details on registering for a new no-cost New World screwworm Certified Inspector Training.

The governor’s office said state and federal partners are working together to detect, control and contain the spread, and that expanding public outreach and providing clear information is a key part of reducing risk.

Abbott’s office also highlighted actions taken by the governor in response to the pest, including:

• Directing the creation of a joint Texas New World screwworm Response Team
• Joining USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to announce a $750 million investment in a new sterile fly production facility in Edinburg
• Issuing a statewide disaster declaration ahead of the first detection
• Deploying state resources and activating the State Emergency Operations Center after the first confirmed Texas cases
• Visiting the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville for a briefing
• Launching a free online training course to certify more inspectors
• Announcing federal funding to strengthen inspection capacity.

Texans are urged to inspect livestock and pets for wounds and report suspected cases immediately, including in wildlife.

For livestock and pets, suspected cases should be reported to the Texas Animal Health Commission’s 24-hour veterinarian call line at 1-800-550-8242.

For wildlife, reports should be made to Texas Parks and Wildlife’s 24-hour biologists’ call line at 512-389-4505. Officials also warn people not to move affected animals.

More information and updates are available at screwworm.texas.gov and screwworm.gov.