Texas Prepares for New World Screwworm: Chris Clayton of DTN writes: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday issued a statewide disaster declaration to better equip the Texas New World screwworm (NWS) Response Team to prevent the potential spread of the screwworm fly into Texas and to protect livestock and wildlife.
“Although the New World screwworm fly is not yet present in Texas or the U.S., its northward spread from Mexico toward the U.S. southern border poses a serious threat to Texas’ livestock industry and wildlife,” Abbott said in a news release.
“State law authorizes me to act to prevent a threat of infestation that could cause severe damage to Texas property, and I will not wait for such harm to reach our livestock and wildlife. With this statewide disaster declaration, the Texas NWS Response Team can fully utilize all state government prevention and response resources to prevent the re-emergence of this destructive parasite. Texas is prepared to fully eradicate this pest if need be.”
The proclamation comes after USDA announced the $100 million New World Screwworm Grand Challenge to help combat and prevent the pest from spreading farther north from Mexico. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will make up to $100 million available through the Grand Challenge to support innovative projects that enhance sterile NWS fly production, strengthen preparedness and response strategies, and safeguard U.S. agriculture, animal health, and trade.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said, “I’m glad to see the urgency from the governor’s office matching the seriousness of this threat. The governor’s disaster declaration gives his task force greater authority, resources, and speed needed to confront the growing threat posed by the New World screwworm.”
“This is a serious risk to our livestock industry and one that the Texas Department of Agriculture has been preparing for through our own heightened surveillance, coordination, and response planning,” Miller said.
Miller issued his statement as Abbott endorsed an opponent in a race for re-election. Both are Republicans.
“The New World screwworm is inching closer to Texas each and every day, and we must be proactive in responding to this threat,” Miller said. “This fight requires every available resource to be thrown at it without delay, and TDA will continue to work alongside our state and federal partners to protect our livestock, pets, wildlife, and Texas communities.”
According to USDA, Mexico has 870 active cases involving animals as of Jan. 20, 2026, including eight active cases in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, which borders Texas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reports Mexico has 24 people hospitalized after being infected by NWS larvae.
Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Carl Ray Polk Jr. said his group “applauds Gov. Abbott and his team as they ensure Texas is prepared to respond to a potential incursion of New World screwworm.”
“Today’s announcement positions our state to respond appropriately, allowing the Texas Animal Health Commission and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to utilize all available state government resources necessary to combat the pest,” Polk said.
“Gov. Abbott understands the importance of protecting the U.S. beef supply and it’s clear he is committed to pushing New World screwworm back to the Darien Gap, a milestone Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association continues to prioritize. We are thankful for his leadership and for standing with Texas livestock producers and landowners.”
DTN Ag Policy Editor Chris Clayton contributed to this report.
