Texas confirms five new world screwworm cases, sets infested zones to contain spread

The New World screwworm outbreak in Texas has reached five confirmed cases, prompting state agencies to establish infested zones aimed at containing the parasite’s spread.

Federal help is now involved as officials respond to the threat posed by the parasite, whose fly larvae burrow into the living flesh of warm-blooded animals, causing severe tissue damage and potential death.

“We know this development is a serious threat,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said. “We’ve increased the trapping for flies along the border and ramping up surveillance.”

The Texas Animal Health Commission has established four 12.5-mile infested zones where officials believe the parasite is located and reproducing. The closest zone to Austin is Zone 3, which includes Gillespie, Kerr, and Kimble counties.

Zone 3 was created after New World screwworm was found in a goat in Harper, Texas, on Monday. Rollins also said, “Over the past week and a half, USDA has confirmed 6 cases of the new world screw worm within the US, all but 1 in the South, uh, South of Texas.”

ALSO| New World Screwworm case confirmed in Texas, bringing total of cases in the U.S. to six

State officials say the zones are used to prevent the spread of the parasite and restrict the movement of livestock and other warm-blooded animals through the area.

In Fredericksburg, some residents said the infested zone is a necessary step. Joan Smith, who lives in Fredericksburg, said, “It’s a good thing to protect people. It needs to be done.”

Smith said pet owners should take precautions and consult their veterinarians.

“Many of our neighbors, we called our local veterinarians. They told us as long as we were using certain medications, your pet is covered,” she said. “Definitely talk to your local veterinarians because they can update you.”

Some businesses in the area said the county’s infested-zone label is not expected to impact tourism this summer.