What is the New World Screwworm and why is Texas concerned?

The New World Screwworm is a destructive pest whose larvae burrow into the flesh of living animals, causing potentially deadly damage. Texas has declared a disaster to prevent its spread into the state.

What measures are being taken to stop the screwworm flies?

Texas and federal governments are deploying a multi-pronged strategy, including breeding and releasing sterile male flies and using baited traps along the border to capture and kill the flies.

Where are the New World Screwworm flies currently located?

The New World Screwworm flies have not yet reached Texas but are being tracked in Mexico and are slowly moving northward toward the border.

Home / Environment / Texas Battles Invasive Screwworm Threat

Texas Battles Invasive Screwworm Threat

31 Jan

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Summary

Texas declared a disaster to prevent invasive screwworm spread.
Larvae burrow into living mammals, causing deadly damage.
Texas is combating flies near the border with sterile males and traps.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a statewide disaster to bolster efforts against the New World Screwworm (NWS) fly. The larvae of this invasive species are known to burrow into the flesh of living mammals, often causing fatal damage.

Currently, NWS flies have not reached Texas but are being monitored as they move northward from Mexico. Governor Abbott emphasized the state's readiness to deploy all resources to prevent the pest's re-emergence and potential harm to livestock and wildlife.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has identified NWS as a devastating pest, noting its ability to infest livestock, pets, and wildlife, and in rare instances, humans. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department warns that maggots hatch in open wounds or orifices, burrowing into flesh and potentially leading to the animal's death.