Texas launches website and response team to address New World screwworm cases
A new online portal and a joint response team have been created in Texas to provide information, training and reporting tools for the New World screwworm parasite, which has been confirmed in several livestock and pet cases in Texas and New Mexico.
The Texas governor announced the creation of an online resource that consolidates maps, identification guides, training modules and reporting mechanisms for the New World screwworm (NWS) parasite, which recent USDA data show has been detected in 12 cases across Texas and New Mexico. The portal also links to a USDA case dashboard, best-practice guidelines for livestock and wildlife, and a no-cost Certified Inspector Training program.
"This new website puts essential tools in the hands of our producers, veterinarians and families," Governor Greg Abbott said in a statement.
In addition to the website, state officials have formed a joint NWS Response Team that includes state agencies, producers, veterinarians, wildlife experts and federal partners. The team will coordinate surveillance, outreach and control measures.
The USDA has approved emergency use of a medication to treat NWS infections in dogs and cats, and the agency, together with Texas officials, announced a $750 million sterile-fly production facility in Edinburg to support long-term eradication efforts. Texas has also issued a statewide disaster declaration to mobilize resources.
The CDC describes the parasite as a fly whose larvae feed on the tissue of warm-blooded animals. Infection occurs when adult females lay eggs in open wounds or body openings; the larvae hatch, feed for about a week, then drop to the ground to pupate. The agency advises residents to monitor livestock and pets for draining or enlarged wounds and to report suspected cases to the Texas Animal Health Commission’s 24-hour veterinarian line at 1-800-550-8242.