The outbreak of New World screwworm in West Texas has intensified, with the confirmed cases now totaling 31. This alarming rise in infections has prompted state agricultural officials to implement localized quarantines and enforce strict bans on the movement of animals across 21 counties in Texas.
The recent discovery of a new cattle infection in Crockett County has led to a modified emergency order that heavily restricts the transport of warm-blooded animals, hides, and carcasses across five counties in the region. The larvae of this flesh-eating parasite are known to invade open wounds on warm-blooded animals, causing severe pain and potentially fatal conditions if left untreated.
Of the confirmed cases, 30 are located within Texas, while one has been reported in Lea County, New Mexico. The uptick in cases follows the detection of the parasite in a bovine in Crockett County, marking the second incident in under a week where the parasite has breached active containment measures. This prompted Dr. Lewis R. Dinges, Executive Director of the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), to sign an emergency order that further tightens livestock movement restrictions.
The situation in West and Central Texas remains critical, particularly in Crockett County, where the parasite has previously been identified in sheep. In response to the growing number of infections among cattle, Dr. Dinges has established Infested Zone 07.B, which replaces earlier restrictions and expands quarantine boundaries. This new order imposes stringent limits on livestock transport across five neighboring counties: Crockett, Schleicher, Sutton, Terrell, and Val Verde.
This escalation in quarantine measures coincides with geographic expansions along the South Texas border, where officials have previously designated Infested Zone 10, covering parts of Jim Hogg, Starr, and Zapata counties, following a positive case in Jim Hogg County.
As the outbreak continues to unfold, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) reports that the Texas State Emergency Operations Center is activated at Level II, indicating escalated response conditions. State and federal agencies are implementing aggressive containment and surveillance efforts across the affected areas.
Key actions include the deployment of roadside checkpoints by TAHC, which have already inspected nearly 11,000 animals and issued over 250 certifications for authorized movement out of quarantine zones. The Texas Military Department has also activated an Aerial Dispersal Team to assist the USDA in releasing sterile screwworm flies, aimed at disrupting the reproductive cycle of the parasite. Additionally, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has set up specialized traps and secured locations for drone surveillance to monitor the spread of the screwworm.
At present, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has confirmed that there are no reported human cases of New World screwworm in Texas. This parasitic fly poses a significant threat to livestock and wildlife, as it lays eggs in open wounds, leading to myiasis if not treated promptly.
In light of the growing crisis, Governor Greg Abbott has issued a statewide disaster proclamation to facilitate swift resource mobilization through the State Emergency Operations Center. A centralized information hub has also been established for producers and residents at screwworm.texas.gov.
Livestock and pet owners are strongly encouraged to inspect their animals daily and report any suspected cases immediately to TAHC at 512-719-0700.
