New World screwworm cases have appeared in Texas and federal and state officials, including the Trump administration and Gov. Greg Abbott, have pledged swift action to contain and eradicate the pest.
Federal officials confirmed two additional cases of New World screwworm in Texas, this time found in a dog and a calf. The USDA reports these detections follow an initial domestic case identified last week, raising concern across ranching communities. The response has ramped up quickly with coordination between federal and state teams.
The USDA stressed there is no impact to the food supply and said animals with screwworm complications would be caught and removed before entering the market. That reassurance is meant to calm consumers even as producers and ranchers prepare for the logistical fallout. The economic pressure on livestock producers is already a real worry because animal health issues can push beef prices higher.
“Over the past week, USDA has identified and expeditiously confronted four confirmed detections of New World screwworm,” Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, said in a statement. The agency is doubling down on rapid detection, containment, and eradication work in affected zones. Officials emphasize vigilance from animal owners as a key part of the effort.
John Bellinger, a food safety expert who sits on the Texas A&M Board of Regents, will be President Donald Trump’s senior advisor on the issue, the USDA said on Monday. His role is to coordinate federal strategy with local partners and bring practical guidance to protect livestock. His appointment signals the administration’s hands-on approach to animal health emergencies.
“While we address these instances that require immediate attention, and continue to sample suspected cases, we are simultaneously working to eradicate the pest entirely,” Hoskins added. “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.”
https://x.com/Screwworm_RR/status/2064022178920550755
The USDA announced airborne sterile fly release operations are underway, with two planes from Moore Air Base dispersing sterile flies over the response zone in Texas. These sterile insect techniques are a proven tool to suppress and eliminate screwworm populations when used aggressively. The tactic complements ground surveillance, animal inspections, and targeted treatments.
“This is in addition to existing sterile fly dispersal activities in South Texas and Northern Mexico,” the USDA noted, underscoring cross-border coordination. Eradication successes in the past depended on synchronized effort between governments and producers on both sides of the border. Officials say continued cooperation is essential to avoid reintroduction into U.S. herds.
Ranchers are being asked to inspect animals daily and look specifically for growing or draining wounds, maggots or egg masses, and lesions that appear suspicious. Early detection is the most effective defense because screwworm larvae feed on living tissue and can quickly worsen. Prompt reporting allows teams to isolate affected animals and limit spread.
At the state level, Texas has moved into an escalated response posture as Gov. Greg Abbott activated emergency measures. “I have activated the full use of all state resources to respond to the New World Screwworm threat,” Abbott stated. The governor framed the response as a top priority for protecting ranchers and the broader Texas economy.
“The protection of our ranchers, livestock producers, deer breeders, and the Texas economy from this pest is a top priority. We have eradicated this pest before, and we will do it again in close cooperation with our federal partners. Texans should stay alert, check animals daily for wounds, and report any suspected cases immediately,” he continued.
State agencies are urging farmers and ranchers to report suspected screwworm to the Texas Animal Health Commission immediately upon discovery. Rapid reporting triggers response teams and containment steps that can prevent a localized detection from becoming a wider outbreak. The commission is the central reporting and response hub for the state-level effort.
Practical steps for producers include isolating affected animals, safely treating wounds under veterinary guidance, and documenting cases for officials. Producers are also encouraged to increase routine checks and maintain good wound management practices to reduce risk. Communication between neighbors, veterinarians, and state teams will help identify patterns early.
Federal and state leaders emphasize that eradication is achievable because it has been done before with decisive effort and the right tools. The combination of surveillance, sterile fly releases, and immediate treatment forms the backbone of the eradication plan. With cooperation from ranchers and timely action, officials believe they can contain and eliminate the current detections.
For now, the focus remains on stopping spread and protecting livestock operations from economic harm. Officials on both sides of the aisle are being urged to support practical, science-based responses that preserve animal health and market stability. The coming days will show how quickly detection, reporting, and control actions reduce the threat on the ground.
Local communities and producers are bracing for an intensive period of inspection and treatment, and authorities are clear that vigilance must remain high. This is a fight that requires straightforward action from owners and fast, coordinated work from government teams. The state and federal responses are active and aiming to limit any further detections.
As this situation develops, the priority remains protecting animals, preserving consumer confidence, and keeping the livestock economy on steady footing. Officials continue to advise daily checks and immediate reporting of suspicious wounds or larvae findings. The path to eradication depends on rapid, united action across the affected region.
