“It’s Coming”: Commissioner Sid Miller Issues Urgent Screwworm Warning as Outbreak Nears Texas Border
Video Courtesy of RFD TV
Commissioner Sid Miller Issues Urgent Screwworm Warning as Outbreak Nears Texas Border: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has issued a stark and urgent warning to farmers, ranchers, and pet owners regarding a rapidly approaching threat to the state’s biosecurity: the New World screwworm. In a recent statement, Miller confirmed that the flesh-eating pest has been detected in dangerously close proximity to the United States border.
The Situation: “It’s Inevitable”
According to Commissioner Miller, there are currently 14 active cases of screwworm confirmed in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, located roughly 200 miles from the Texas border. This proximity has raised alarm bells among state officials who fear the pest’s re-entry into the United States is no longer a possibility, but a certainty.
“It could… it’s going to be across the border. I hate to say that, but it’s inevitable. When it’s this close and we couldn’t get it checked in Southern Mexico, we got a problem. It’s here.” — Sid Miller
Why This Outbreak is Different
Miller highlighted two specific factors that make this particular cluster of cases deeply concerning compared to previous isolated incidents:
Indigenous Spread: Unlike previous scares which were often linked to livestock transported from further south, Miller noted that these cases are “caused by indigenous screwworm flies,” suggesting the pest has established a local population in Northern Mexico rather than just hitching a ride.
Winter Activity: Screwworm flies are typically less active during colder months. However, Miller expressed frustration that the outbreak is surging right now. “It’s upsetting that this is happening in the winter months when fly activity is supposed to be less active,” he stated.
The Threat to Livestock and Wildlife
The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living flesh of warm-blooded animals. An infestation can be fatal if not treated immediately. While often associated with cattle, Miller made it clear that the threat extends far beyond the ranch.
He explicitly warned:
Farmers and Ranchers
Pet Owners
The Wildlife Business
“You better get ready, because it’s coming,” Miller warned. “Start checking your livestock, checking your pets.”
Call to Action
The Commissioner’s message serves as a “red alert” for anyone in the region with animals. The primary defense is vigilance. Early detection of the larvae in open wounds is critical to stopping the spread before it becomes an epidemic.
Key Advice from the Commissioner:
Check Daily: Inspect all livestock and pets regularly.
Look for Wounds: The flies lay eggs in open wounds; even small cuts can become infestation sites.
Report Suspicious Activity: Immediate reporting is essential to containment.
As Miller concluded in his assessment of the 200-mile gap between the outbreak and Texas: “We have now 14 active cases… We got a problem.”
