Texas Governor Deploys Resources After New World Screwworm Detected

Disaster Declaration Issued for Uvalde and Zavala Counties

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for Uvalde and Zavala counties after the first Texas detection of the New World Screwworm (NWS), a destructive parasitic fly that poses a serious threat to livestock, wildlife, pets, and, in rare cases, humans.

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Abbott announced that all available state resources are being mobilized to contain and eradicate the pest, while also accelerating efforts to bring sterile flies into Texas and speed construction of a new sterile fly production facility in Edinburg.

"We have eradicated this pest before, and we will do it again," Abbott said during a briefing with state and federal officials.

Office of the Governor 6/5/26

What Is the New World Screwworm?

Despite its name, the New World Screwworm is not a worm. It is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Untreated infestations can cause severe injury and may be fatal.

State officials say Texas has been preparing for the possibility of a detection for months through a coordinated response effort involving livestock producers, veterinarians, wildlife experts, and federal agencies.

Sterile Fly Program Underway

A key part of the response involves the Sterile Insect Technique, a proven eradication strategy that was successfully used to eliminate the pest in the United States decades ago.

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The program works by releasing sterile male flies that mate with wild females. Because female screwworm flies mate only once, the resulting eggs do not hatch, gradually reducing and eliminating the population. Millions of sterile flies are now being imported and released in targeted areas of South Texas.

What Texans Should Do

State officials are urging Texans to:

• Inspect livestock, pets, and other animals daily for wounds or signs of infestation.
• Treat wounds promptly and reduce fly populations where animals are kept.
• Immediately report suspected cases to the Texas Animal Health Commission's 24-hour hotline at 1-800-550-8242.
• Avoid moving animals suspected of being infested.
• Report wildlife concerns to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
• Closely monitor outdoor pets, especially those with untreated wounds.
• Follow all quarantine and animal movement requirements issued by state officials.

Authorities emphasize that New World Screwworm infestations are highly treatable when detected early and reported quickly.

Texas & National Resources Available

Additional information and updates are available from the Texas Animal Health Commission and the federal Screwworm Response Portal.