Additional Detections of New World Screwworm in Texas

Late last week, USDA APHIS announced a second detection of New World Screwworm in Zavala County approximately 5.6 miles from the first confirmed detection and on Monday, APHIS announced two additional cases, a calf in La Salle County, Texas and a dog in Andrews County, Texas. Currently, epidemiological investigations are ongoing for both cases and according to APHIS, “early reports indicate the dog was recently in Mexico.”

Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs said, “Over the past week, USDA has identified and expeditiously confronted four confirmed detections of New World screwworm. While we address these instances that require immediate attention, and continue to sample suspected cases, we are simultaneously working to eradicate the pest entirely. We need the partnership of animal owners across the region – please stay vigilant, check your animals closely, and report anything that looks suspicious. Together, we can protect our livestock, our communities, and the health of animals nationwide.”

USDA is intensifying sterile fly releases both within and just outside of the infested areas. According to APHIS, “To ensure sterile fly release operations can be deployed to affected areas in Texas and in northern Mexico near the border as quickly and efficiently as possible, USDA has activated the sterile fly dispersal facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas. Sterile pupae arrived at the facility on Friday, and aerial dispersal flights originating from the base will begin tomorrow.”