Texas is on high alert. Governor Greg Abbott issued a statewide disaster declaration. This action aims to prevent a dangerous parasite’s spread. The threat is the New World screwworm (NWS) fly. Its larvae are flesh-eating. They attack warm-blooded animals. This pest can also infect humans. The declaration empowers state resources. It bolsters the Texas NWS Response Team. This team works to prevent an invasion.
NWS has not reached Texas. However, cases are increasing in Mexico. This poses a serious risk. Governor Abbott stated this clearly. The fly’s northward spread is concerning. It threatens Texas livestock. It also endangers native wildlife. This is a critical public health issue. The parasite burrows into living flesh. It feeds on open wounds. This causes severe tissue damage. Untreated infestations can be fatal. Animals suffer greatly. Production suffers too. Humans can also become infected. This condition is called myiasis. It can be painful and deadly.
The Growing Threat
Cases of NWS are rising rapidly. Mexico reports many animal cases. As of late January 2026, 177 active animal cases were noted. In Central America and Mexico, over 149,000 animal cases occurred. More than 1,200 human cases were also reported. These numbers are alarming. The parasite has spread north. It is now closer to the U.S. border. One human case occurred in the U.S. A person contracted it after traveling from El Salvador. This highlights the potential for spread. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) tracks this closely. It calls NWS a devastating pest. The closest active case in Mexico is about 200 miles away. Yet, it is moving steadily north.
Texas’s Proactive Defense
Texas is taking swift action. The disaster declaration allows full use of state resources. This includes personnel and equipment. It enables rapid response. The Texas NWS Response Team is key. It was formed last summer. This team collaborates with federal agencies. The USDA is a major partner. They use a proven strategy. It is called the sterile insect technique. USDA produces millions of sterile flies weekly. These males mate with wild females. However, their offspring do not hatch. This method reduces the screwworm population. It is a critical defense. The U.S. eradicated NWS in 1966. This method was instrumental then.
Federal Efforts Intensify
The USDA is increasing its efforts. They are shifting sterile fly dispersal. This focuses on the U.S.-Mexico border. Operations now extend about 50 miles into Texas. This creates a buffer zone. It aims to stop reproduction. Over 100 million sterile flies are released weekly. These flies are marked with dye. This helps distinguish them from wild flies. The USDA also enforces import rules. Wildlife inspections and surveillance continue. These measures are vital for prevention. They aim to keep NWS out of the U.S.
Understanding New World Screwworm
The New World screwworm fly is about housefly size. It has metallic blue or green bodies. Its eyes are orange. Three dark stripes run down its back. The adult female lays eggs. She lays them in fresh wounds. These wounds can be on any warm-blooded animal. Even small cuts are vulnerable. Newborn navels are also at risk. The eggs hatch into maggots. These larvae feed on live flesh. They have sharp mouth hooks. This creates painful, deepening wounds. This can lead to infection. It can cause serious harm. It can even result in death. Livestock like cattle and horses are prime targets. Wildlife and pets are also vulnerable. In rare instances, humans can be infected. Symptoms in humans include feeling maggots. They may appear in wounds, ears, or nose. It causes painful sores. A foul odor can also be present.
A Persistent Threat
NWS was once eradicated from the U.S. It has resurged in Central America and Mexico. This resurgence is a major concern. Texas is leading preparedness efforts. Governor Abbott’s declaration is a strong step. It mobilizes a coordinated defense. This highlights the seriousness of the threat. The state and federal partnership is crucial. They work together to protect animal health. They also safeguard public well-being. vigilance is necessary. Reporting any suspicious signs is vital. Texans can help monitor wildlife. This information aids response efforts. The goal is to prevent re-emergence. This pest can cause significant damage. It impacts the economy. It affects daily life. Prevention is the best defense. Texas is preparing for the worst. It aims to keep the state safe. This is an ongoing news event. The situation is being closely monitored. Continued efforts are essential. This is a trending topic for Texas. It is important news for the region.
