Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez has issued the following statement regarding the New World screwworm detection in Texas:
“We are closely monitoring the situation involving the New World screwworm recently reported in Zavala County. While there have been no reported cases in Hidalgo County, we are taking this matter seriously and are working closely with our state partners, including the Texas Animal Health Commission and the Texas Department of State Health Services, to ensure we are prepared should a case arise in our region.
We are also in communication with the county judges of Cameron, Starr, and Willacy counties to coordinate efforts and share information as developments occur. Protecting the health of our communities, livestock, and agricultural industry remains a top priority.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the New World screwworm was detected in a three-week-old calf in Zavala County. Federal and state officials have responded quickly by establishing a unified incident command structure, implementing quarantines and movement controls in the affected area, increasing surveillance and trapping efforts, and deploying sterile fly releases to help prevent the spread of the pest.
We encourage livestock owners and residents to remain vigilant and report any concerns involving animals with unusual or worsening wounds, the presence of larvae, or abnormalities around body openings or the navels of newborn animals. Report any suspicious wounds or maggots to your private veterinarian and the Texas Animal Health Commission. Early detection and rapid reporting are critical to preventing the spread of the screwworm.
At this time, there is no threat to the food supply. The USDA has confirmed that New World screwworms do not infest meat, fruits, vegetables, or other food products.
Hidalgo County will continue to work with local, state, and federal partners to monitor the situation and provide timely updates to the public as new information becomes available.”
